1 fatality

Landing Accident Results in One Fatality and Aircraft Destruction (56-3605)

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

On November 18, 1960, a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker (registration 56-3605) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Loring AFB, United States of America during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration leading to a nose-down attitude and excessive speed during landing. 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

An aircraft was destroyed after a wrong approach configuration led to a nose-down landing. The nose gear collapsed, puncturing the fuel tank, causing a fire. One passenger died, 16 others were injured.

Incident Overview

A commercial aircraft was involved in a landing accident following a wrong approach configuration. The landing procedure was conducted with the aircraft in a nose-down attitude and at excessive speed. This resulted in the nose landing gear contacting the runway first, which then penetrated the fuselage and punctured the forward body fuel tank. The aircraft slid on its nose for a dozen yards before coming to rest engulfed in flames.

Occupant Injuries and Fatalities

Among the occupants, one passenger was killed. Additionally, 16 other occupants sustained injuries during the accident sequence.

Damage Assessment

The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair, resulting in its total loss.

Sequence of Events

The accident occurred due to an incorrect approach configuration. As the aircraft descended, it maintained a nose-down attitude and an excessive speed, leading to an abnormal touchdown. The nose landing gear failed structurally upon impact, breaching the fuselage and causing a fuel leak. The subsequent fire consumed the aircraft after it skidded along the nose.

Probable cause

Wrong approach configuration leading to a nose-down attitude and excessive speed during landing.