5 fatalities

Training flight accident at Castle Air Force Base (58-0127)

Castle AFB, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 19, 1979, a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker (registration 58-0127) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Castle AFB, United States of America during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft became uncontrollable immediately after touchdown during touch-and-go maneuvers. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

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.