Accident Details
A military aircraft departed Pago Pago on a flight to Hickam Field, Honolulu, as part of an observation mission for French atmospheric nuclear tests in the Pacific. While flying in good weather conditions at an altitude of 33,000 feet and a speed of 870 km/h, a crew member contacted air traffic control, but the message was inaudible. Five minutes later, the aircraft entered a dive and crashed into the Pacific Ocean approximately 1,100 km southwest of Hawaii.
Debris and Occupants
Few debris were found floating on the water. None of the 24 occupants survived the crash. The occupants included Donald E. Ashland, Captain Byron C. Burnett, Rola F. Blanchard, John P. Cahill, Thomas R. Connor, Charles V. Dito, 1st Lieutenant James M. Gilbert, Dean L. Hoar, Staff Sergeant Kenneth Steven Kowal, Major John R. McGinn, Technical Sergeant Hubert Miles Jr., Allen Moriffette, Major William Edward Page Jr., David Penney, Lieutenant Colonel Victor John Reinhart, Captain Perry Thomas Rose, Colonel Billy L. Skipworth, Edward M. Slagel, Anthony J. Theriault, John B. Tumas, Major William Herman Unsderfer Jr., Major Joseph B. William, and Staff Sergeant Elno Roe Weimer.
Official Findings
The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty due to lack of evidence. The aircraft was reported to be intact until impact with the water surface. It was also believed that a recent technical modification—installation of 11 additional portholes and a radome a few days prior—did not have any incidence with the accident.