Night Training Flight Ends in Field Crash Near El Jadida (43-22590)

Flight Details and Engine Failures A crew departed Sidi Slimane AFB at 1826LT for a 2.5-hour training flight, accompanied by two other similar aircraft. After the captain completed the level-off at 2,000 feet, the aircraft proceeded southwest. While cruising at 1,000 feet, the crew performed several maneuvers and circuits before beginning the return to Sidi Slimane AFB via Azemmour. During this phase, the right engine failed. The captain increased power on the left engine, which subsequently failed shortly later. ## Emergency Landing and Impact The crew attempted an emergency landing in a field near Cap Blanc, approximately 15 km southwest of El Jadida. The aircraft descended at 300 feet per minute with the landing gear extended and touched down at 130 knots. After traveling a dozen yards, it struck a rocky wall, lost both engines, and came to rest. First rescuers arrived at 0200LT on January 15. ## Casualties and Crew Two crew members were killed and two others were seriously injured. The crew, based at Laon-Couvron AFB, France, consisted of Col John Crocker (pilot, killed), Cpt Gene Robert (copilot), 1st Lt Gordon Stewart (navigator), and S/Sgt Theo McCool (gunner, killed).