What happened
Shortly after departing from Kadena Airbase for a mission to Korea, the aircraft experienced a sudden explosion in its number three engine. Following this mechanical failure, the pilot attempted to execute an emergency return to the departure airfield. During this period, the structural integrity of the aircraft was compromised when the right wing was severed from the fuselage.
Unable to maintain controlled flight, the aircraft type plunged into the ocean. The impact occurred approximately 65 km north of Kadena Airbase and roughly 15 km west of Izenajima Island. The accident resulted in 12 fatalities among the crew, while 3 survivors were successfully rescued from the wreckage.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was an explosion within the third engine, which subsequently led to the detachment of the right wing during flight.