59 fatalities

1967-04-08: Curtiss C-46 Commando — Republic of Korea Air Force — Seoul-Yeouido AFB, South Korea

Seoul-Yeouido AFB, South KoreaTakeoff (climb)

On April 8, 1967, a Curtiss C-46 Commando operated by Republic of Korea Air Force was involved in an aviation accident near Seoul-Yeouido AFB, South Korea during takeoff. 59 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure (fire) of the left engine during initial climb for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781240112Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed in Seoul's Kum Ho-Dong district after the captain reported a left engine failure shortly after takeoff from Yeouido AFB. All 15 on board and 44 on the ground were killed, and 120 others were injured.

Accident

The aircraft departed from Yeouido Air Force Base in Seoul, climbing toward Daegu in poor weather conditions. During the climb, the captain informed air traffic control that the left engine had failed and elected to return to the airport for an emergency landing. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft went out of control and crashed with a huge explosion in the Kum Ho-Dong district. The aircraft disintegrated on impact, destroying several houses and buildings.

Casualties and Damage

All 15 occupants of the aircraft were killed. Additionally, 44 people on the ground lost their lives. A total of 120 other people were injured, 23 of them seriously.

Weather

At the time of the accident, weather conditions were poor, with fog and drizzle.

Investigation and Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a failure (fire) of the left engine during the initial climb for unknown reasons.