Accident Details
On a scheduled flight from Korea to Florida, a four-engine airplane under the Tactical Air Command transported veterans home for Christmas. The flight planned enroute stops at Larson Air Force Base in Washington, Kelly Air Force Base in Texas, Tennessee, and South Carolina, with Florida as the final destination. Takeoff from Larson AFB began in light snow conditions. After liftoff, while climbing to an altitude of 100 feet, the aircraft banked left, causing its left wing to strike the ground. The airplane then went out of control and crashed in a huge explosion in a field beyond the runway end.
Occupants and Casualties
Five crew members and 82 passengers were killed in the accident, while 28 other occupants sustained injuries. The aircraft was destroyed. At the time, this accident was the deadliest in aviation history.
Investigation
An investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. The pilot failed to remove the rudder and elevator locking pin before takeoff. For undetermined reasons, the crew did not follow the pre-departure checklist.