What happened
While operating a flight from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam toward Hickam in Honolulu, the crew encountered mechanical difficulties involving the engines. In response to these engine problems, the captain elected to divert the aircraft type/model to Wake Island Airport.
During the final stages of the approach, the aircraft descended below the necessary altitude and collided with the approach lighting system. The force of the impact caused the empennage to separate from the fuselage, leading to a subsequent crash involving fire. The accident resulted in 11 fatalities among the passengers, while 45 survivors were successfully rescued from the wreckage. The aircraft was completely destroyed during the event.
Findings
Investigations into the crash determined that the primary factor leading to the diversion and subsequent sequence of events was engine problems encountered during flight.