67 fatalities

1957-03-22: Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter (50-0702) — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — Pacific Ocean, World

Pacific Ocean, WorldFlight

On March 22, 1957, a Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter (registration 50-0702) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Pacific Ocean, World in flight. 67 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Due to lack of evidences, investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of the accident. Nevertheless, it was reported that weather conditions were not so good with clouds between 1,500 and 3,000 meters with turbulences and icing conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781249512Data APIEditorial standards

While cruising at 8,000 feet, a crew reported normal operations before the aircraft vanished without a distress call. An eight-day search found no trace of the aircraft or its 67 occupants.

Flight Details

An aircraft en route from Wake Island to Yokota Air Base in Tokyo was cruising at an altitude of 8,000 feet. The crew informed ground control of their position approximately 320 kilometers off the Japanese coast, reporting that all was well on board. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft disappeared without any distress call being sent.

Search Efforts

Search and rescue operations were conducted for eight days, covering a wide area. Despite extensive efforts, no trace of the aircraft or its 67 occupants was ever found.

Investigation

Due to a lack of evidence, investigators were unable to determine the exact cause of the accident. It was reported that weather conditions were not favorable, with clouds between 1,500 and 3,000 meters, along with turbulence and icing conditions.

Probable cause

Due to lack of evidences, investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of the accident. Nevertheless, it was reported that weather conditions were not so good with clouds between 1,500 and 3,000 meters with turbulences and icing conditions.