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5 fatalities

Fatal Aircraft Crash at Amarillo Airport (57-1424)

Amarillo, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On May 17, 1966, a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker (registration 57-1424) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Amarillo, United States of America during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Oscillating and unstable approach for undetermined reason. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed in flames short of the runway at Amarillo Airport after an unstable approach, killing all five crew members on board.

Incident Overview and Outcome An aircraft was destroyed in a crash at Amarillo Airport, resulting in the deaths of all five crew members on board. The accident occurred during the final approach to the runway, with the aircraft impacting the ground a few dozen yards short of the runway threshold. The crash was followed by a fire, and the aircraft was completely destroyed. The incident occurred while the crew was returning to Amarillo Airport after completing a four-hour refueling mission. The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was an oscillating and unstable approach for an undetermined reason.

Related events

Same operator

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 May 1966 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident near Amarillo, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed in flames short of the runway at Amarillo Airport after an unstable approach, killing all five crew members on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 May 1966 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 May 1966 involved a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, registration 57-1424, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Amarillo, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Oscillating and unstable approach for undetermined reason.

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