Aircraft crash near Tomakomai following cabin fire

35 fatalities • Tomakomai, Japan • Flight

An aircraft crashed into the sea south of Tomakomai after the crew reported a fire in the main cabin during flight.

What happened

Approximately thirty minutes after departing from Misawa Air Force Base, the flight crew notified air traffic control regarding an active fire within the primary passenger cabin. Following this communication, the aircraft became uncontrollable and descended into the ocean. The wreckage was located roughly 30 km south of Tomakomai.

There were 35 fatalities resulting from the accident, with no survivors reported among the occupants.

Findings

Investigations into the crash identified an unidentified in-flight fire as the primary factor leading to the loss of control and subsequent impact with the sea.

Probable cause

An unidentified fire originated within the main cabin during flight, causing the aircraft to become uncontrollable.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1954-02-01 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Tomakomai, Japan?

An aircraft crashed into the sea south of Tomakomai after the crew reported a fire in the main cabin during flight.

Were there any fatalities in the 1954-02-01 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 35 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1954-02-01 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration 44-78027, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Tomakomai, Japan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An unidentified fire originated within the main cabin during flight, causing the aircraft to become uncontrollable.

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