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46 fatalities

Liftmaster Transatlantic Flight Crash Near McGuire Air Force Base (53-3301)

McGuire AFB (Fort Dix), United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On July 13, 1956, a Douglas C-118 Liftmaster (registration 53-3301) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near McGuire AFB (Fort Dix), United States of America during takeoff. 46 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The official findings reported poor weather conditions at the time of the accident, including thunderstorm activity around McGuire Airbase, horizontal visibility of 1,500 meters, clouds from 600 to 1,800 feet, and wind gusting up to 30 knots with turbulence. 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

A four-engine Liftmaster crashed shortly after takeoff from McGuire AFB due to poor weather, killing 46 people and injuring 20.

Incident Overview and Route Details The aircraft, identified as a Liftmaster, was operating a transatlantic flight from McGuire (Fort Dix) Airbase to Lakenheath, UK. The flight plan included an intermediate stop at Stephenville. The accident occurred less than two minutes after the aircraft departed from runway 24 at McGuire Air Force Base. At the time of the incident, the four-engine aircraft was in a climbing phase when it encountered adverse weather conditions. The aircraft subsequently stalled and crashed into a dense wooded area situated 1.4 miles from the airfield. The crash resulted in the deaths of eight crew members and 38 passengers, including civilians. Additionally, 20 other occupants sustained injuries.

Probable cause

The official findings reported poor weather conditions at the time of the accident, including thunderstorm activity around McGuire Airbase, horizontal visibility of 1,500 meters, clouds from 600 to 1,800 feet, and wind gusting up to 30 knots with turbulence. The possibility that the aircraft encountered a strong downdraft caused by a micro-burst was not ruled out.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jul 1956 Douglas C-118 Liftmaster accident near McGuire AFB (Fort Dix), United States of America?

A four-engine Liftmaster crashed shortly after takeoff from McGuire AFB due to poor weather, killing 46 people and injuring 20.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Jul 1956 Douglas C-118 Liftmaster accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 46 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jul 1956 involved a Douglas C-118 Liftmaster, registration 53-3301, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at McGuire AFB (Fort Dix), United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The official findings reported poor weather conditions at the time of the accident, including thunderstorm activity around McGuire Airbase, horizontal visibility of 1,500 meters, clouds from 600 to 1,800 feet, and wind gusting up to 30 knots with turbulence. The possibility that the aircraft encountered a strong…

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