Fatal aircraft impact near Torrejón Airbase

8 fatalities • Cabanillas del Campo, Spain • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Cabanillas del Campo during a night approach, resulting in the loss of all eight people on board.

What happened

During a nighttime descent toward Torrejón Airbase, an aircraft encountered conditions characterized by restricted visibility. While maneuvering for arrival, the crew did not maintain sufficient altitude, leading to a collision with the slope of a mountain located in the vicinity of Cabanillas del Campo, approximately 22 km northeast of the destination airport.

The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were eight fatalities among the crew members on board, with no survivors reported from the flight.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was controlled flight into terrain. The incident occurred because the crew failed to recognize that the plane's altitude had decreased below safe levels during the approach phase.

Probable cause

The crew failed to maintain a safe altitude during a night descent in limited visibility, leading to a collision with rising terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1976-02-06 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident near Cabanillas del Campo, Spain?

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Cabanillas del Campo during a night approach, resulting in the loss of all eight people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1976-02-06 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1976-02-06 involved a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, registration 60-0368, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Cabanillas del Campo, Spain.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to maintain a safe altitude during a night descent in limited visibility, leading to a collision with rising terrain.

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