Training flight accident at Castle Air Force Base

5 fatalities • Castle AFB, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A training aircraft crashed during touch-and-go maneuvers at Castle AFB, resulting in five fatalities and two injuries.

What happened

During a routine local training mission at Castle Air Force Base, an aircraft was performing a series of touch-and-go maneuvers. As the crew attempted to land the plane, the aircraft became uncontrollable immediately following touchdown. The subsequent impact resulted in a post-crash fire.

As a result of the accident, there were five fatalities and two injuries among the personnel on board. The flight was being conducted as part of standard training operations at the time of the incident.

Findings

Following the impact, it was determined that the aircraft lost control during the landing phase of the maneuver.

Probable cause

The aircraft became uncontrollable immediately after touchdown during touch-and-go maneuvers.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1979-09-19 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident near Castle AFB, United States of America?

A training aircraft crashed during touch-and-go maneuvers at Castle AFB, resulting in five fatalities and two injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1979-09-19 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 1979-09-19 involved a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, registration 58-0127, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Castle AFB, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft became uncontrollable immediately after touchdown during touch-and-go maneuvers.

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