Nighttime Go-Around Accident at Geilenkirchen NATO AFB (59-1452)

Incident Overview and Context The aircraft was returning to Geilenkirchen NATO AFB after completing a refueling mission over Germany. The operation was conducted on behalf of the 141st Air Refueling Wing, based in Fairchild, Washington. The accident occurred during a nighttime final approach, and the aircraft was destroyed in a wooded area, resulting in the deaths of all four occupants on board. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, exact date, or operator beyond the wing affiliation. ## Approach and Loss of Control During the final approach at night, the crew initiated a go-around procedure. As the aircraft pitched up to an angle of 7.5 degrees, it stalled and crashed into the wooded area. The official investigation concluded that the loss of control likely occurred after the runway trim motor failed during the approach. The crew apparently did not notice the failure, which caused the aircraft to nose up when power was applied. The cause of the runaway motor remains unknown.