Fatal aircraft accident at Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport

6 fatalities • Oscoda-Wurtsmith, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A four-engine aircraft crashed and caught fire after landing in crosswind conditions at Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport, resulting in multiple fatalities.

What happened

During an arrival at Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport, a four-engine aircraft performed a steep approach while encountering crosswind conditions. The impact of the landing was severe, causing the aircraft to lose directional control immediately after touching down. Following the hard landing, the plane veered off the runway surface.

As the aircraft came to a stop, a post-crash fire erupted, consuming the wreckage. The accident resulted in six fatalities and left 10 others injured. The intensity of the flames led to the total destruction of the airframe.

Findings

Initial details indicate that the sequence of events began with an unstable approach characterized by a steep descent angle and significant crosswinds. The loss of control on the runway surface and the subsequent fire were the primary factors in the high number of casualties.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a loss of control following a hard landing during a steep approach in crosswind conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1988-10-11 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident near Oscoda-Wurtsmith, United States of America?

A four-engine aircraft crashed and caught fire after landing in crosswind conditions at Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport, resulting in multiple fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1988-10-11 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-10-11 involved a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, registration 60-0317, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Oscoda-Wurtsmith, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a loss of control following a hard landing during a steep approach in crosswind conditions.

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