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Fatal Night Training Accident Involving Single-Engine Go-Around (44-35939)

Gunsan, South KoreaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 1, 1951, a Douglas A-26 Invader (registration 44-35939) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Gunsan, South Korea during landing or approach. One person was 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a night training flight, a nose gear warning light triggered a single-engine go-around. Asymmetrical thrust caused the aircraft to cartwheel, killing the passenger and ejecting the instructor pilot.

Incident Overview and Crew Details The accident occurred during a local training flight conducted at night. The flight crew consisted of Captain Earnest 'Jesse' L. James, Captain Earl K. Jinkins, and Sergeant Richard Lang. The source notes that the passenger was killed in the incident, while the instructor pilot was thrown from the cockpit. ## Sequence of Events During a single-engine approach, the nose gear warning light illuminated. In response, the pilot initiated a single-engine go-around. The resulting asymmetrical thrust caused the aircraft to wrap around and cartwheel. This violent maneuver ejected the instructor pilot from the cockpit and resulted in the death of the passenger.

Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Oct 1951 Douglas A-26 Invader accident near Gunsan, South Korea?

During a night training flight, a nose gear warning light triggered a single-engine go-around. Asymmetrical thrust caused the aircraft to cartwheel, killing the passenger and ejecting the instructor pilot.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Oct 1951 Douglas A-26 Invader accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Oct 1951 involved a Douglas A-26 Invader, registration 44-35939, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Gunsan, South Korea.

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