14 fatalities

1951-09-27: Curtiss C-46 Commando (44-77713) — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — Mt Tanazawa, Japan

Mt Tanazawa, JapanLanding (descent or approach)

On September 27, 1951, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration 44-77713) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Tanazawa, Japan during landing or approach. 14 people were killed. 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)Primary reportUpdated 1781255729Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane hit the slope of Mt Tanazawa while approaching Tachikawa AFB Runway 19. The aircraft was destroyed, killing all 14 crew members.

Accident

During an approach to Tachikawa Air Force Base (AFB) Runway 19, the airplane collided with the slope of Mount Tanazawa. The mountain is located 28 kilometers northwest of the airbase. The impact destroyed the aircraft, resulting in the deaths of all 14 crew members on board.

Crew

The following individuals were crew members on the flight:

  • Maj Gordon G. Bell
  • S/Sgt Paul Bettman
  • 2nd Lt Charles A. Brewer
  • Cpt John W. Brown
  • Maj Wallace E. Crawford
  • M/Sgt Michael A. Doherty
  • T/Sgt James T. Lilley
  • Cpt William E. Maher
  • Lt Gerald A. Martin
  • Pfc Cruz J. Martinez
  • Cpl Dario C. Monza
  • T/Sgt Donovan C. Morrison
  • Sgt Thomas A. Mulhern
  • 2nd Lt Lawrence J. Sassu

Aftermath

The aircraft was destroyed at the crash site. No additional details about the accident sequence or contributing factors were provided in the source material.