Incident Summary
Shortly after takeoff from runway 08, while in initial climb, the Commando aircraft lost control and crashed into the sea several kilometers offshore. Search and rescue (SAR) operations were immediately dispatched to the scene. However, two days later, only two bodies were recovered, and no trace of the aircraft was found, as it had sunk.
Recovery Efforts
The United States Air Force (USAF) reported that the two deceased individuals were found wearing life jackets. Despite extensive search efforts, the aircraft wreckage could not be located.
Crew Members
The aircraft carried a crew of 25 individuals: A1c Alfred W. Arrington, S/Sgt Vincent J. Bevilacqua, A2c Billy R. Bishop, Aoan Carnell E. Booth, 1st Lt Robert C. Bowerman, Lt Fred V. Bryan, A3c Lemon Butts Jr., 1st Lt Thomas L. Davidson, Sgt Robert A. Deeter Jr., Ad3 Oliver P. Dehart, A3c George A. Freeman, A2c Harry C. Gammage, Cpt Victor B. Graper, A3c Norman C. Harmon, T/Sgt Paul J. Hicks, Ad3 James P. King, A3c James A. Kyle, A2c Daniel G. Ruby Jr., 1st Lt Richard G. L. Rusk, A3c Walter K. Rutledge, T/Sgt Melvin E. Sarkilahti, A2c John E. Thurman, A3c Valerian Ulinski, Ae3 Bobby R. Wilson, and A1c William H. Wimbish.
Cause of Accident
The exact circumstances and cause of the accident remain unknown, as stated in the official report. No further information has been provided.