USAF Aircraft Crash During Medical Evacuation in Korea

1 fatality • Yonpo AFB (Hamhung), North Korea • Landing (descent or approach)

A United States Air Force aircraft crashed during a medical evacuation mission between Korea and Japan due to severe weather conditions.

What happened

During a military medical evacuation mission conducted for the USAF, an aircraft was transporting wounded personnel between locations in Korea and Japan. While performing the final approach phase of the flight, the aircraft encountered heavy snowfall. The aircraft struck a snow-covered field located short of the runway threshold.

The impact resulted in one fatality among the passengers, while the remaining eight occupants sustained various injuries. Following the accident, the airframe was intentionally destroyed by personnel to prevent it from falling into enemy hands due to ongoing combat pressure.

Findings

  • The crash occurred during the approach phase of flight.
  • Heavy snowfall and poor visibility were present at the time of the accident.

Probable cause

The aircraft crashed short of the runway threshold due to heavy snow falling during the final approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1950-12-08 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Yonpo AFB (Hamhung), North Korea?

A United States Air Force aircraft crashed during a medical evacuation mission between Korea and Japan due to severe weather conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 1950-12-08 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1950-12-08 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration XT-44, operated by Civil Air Transport, at Yonpo AFB (Hamhung), North Korea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft crashed short of the runway threshold due to heavy snow falling during the final approach.

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