4 fatalities

U-Tapao AFB Takeoff Accident (55-3138)

Pattaya-U-Tapao, ThailandTakeoff (climb)

On October 1, 1968, a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker (registration 55-3138) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Pattaya-U-Tapao, Thailand during takeoff. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of power on engine number four during takeoff for undetermined reason. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed and burned near the end of a runway at U-Tapao AFB after engine number four lost power during takeoff, killing all four crew members.

Incident Overview An aircraft was destroyed by a post-impact fire after crashing near the end of a runway at U-Tapao AFB. The accident occurred during takeoff and resulted in the deaths of all four crew members aboard the aircraft. ## Accident Sequence While taking off from U-Tapao AFB, the aircraft's engine number four lost power. Following the loss of power, the aircraft stalled and crashed in flames near the runway end. The impact was followed by a fire that destroyed the aircraft. ## Casualties All four crew members were killed in the accident. ## Official Findings The official probable cause was determined to be the loss of power on engine number four during takeoff for an undetermined reason.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Oct 1968 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident near Pattaya-U-Tapao, Thailand?

An aircraft crashed and burned near the end of a runway at U-Tapao AFB after engine number four lost power during takeoff, killing all four crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Oct 1968 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Oct 1968 involved a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, registration 55-3138, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Pattaya-U-Tapao, Thailand.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of power on engine number four during takeoff for undetermined reason.