3 fatalities

Three Crew Members Killed in Airplane Crash into House in Donelson (44-35757)

Donelson, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 16, 1954, a Douglas A-26 Invader (registration 44-35757) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Donelson, United States of America during landing or approach. 3 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

While returning to Sewart AFB in marginal weather, an airplane went out of control and crashed into a house in Donelson, killing all three crew members and injuring a person in the house. Cloud base was 1,100 feet with icing conditions.

Accident Overview

An airplane returning to Sewart AFB in Smyrna, Tennessee, after a mission at Shaw AFB in South Carolina, crashed into a house in Donelson, about a mile north of Nashville International Airport. The aircraft was approaching from the north in marginal weather conditions when it went out of control, dove into the ground, and struck the house.

Destruction and Casualties

The airplane and the house were destroyed by fire. All three crew members on board were killed. One person inside the house sustained injuries.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, the cloud base was reported at 1,100 feet with icing conditions in the area.