Aircraft crash during night approach to Carswell

No fatalities • Carswell AFB (Fort Worth), United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft sustained heavy damage after striking the ground and several obstacles during a low-visibility approach to its base.

What happened

During a return flight to the base at Carswell following a mission to refuel, an aircraft encountered challenging environmental conditions. The crew was performing an approach under the cover of night amidst heavy fog, which significantly reduced visibility.

While on final approach, the aircraft descended below the necessary altitude and made contact with the ground approximately one mile before reaching the runway. Following this initial impact, the plane bounced and collided with a series of power cables and the roof of a structure. The sequence of impacts concluded with the aircraft crashing just short of the runway threshold.

All seven crew members sustained injuries during the accident. The aircraft was completely destroyed as a result of the collision sequence.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was that the crew proceeded with the approach while maintaining an insufficient altitude.

Probable cause

The flight crew continued their descent during the final approach at an altitude that was too low to clear obstacles.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1960-03-08 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident near Carswell AFB (Fort Worth), United States of America?

An aircraft sustained heavy damage after striking the ground and several obstacles during a low-visibility approach to its base.

Were there any fatalities in the 1960-03-08 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1960-03-08 involved a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, registration 57-1466, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Carswell AFB (Fort Worth), United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight crew continued their descent during the final approach at an altitude that was too low to clear obstacles.

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