Background
On the night of the accident, a four-engine aircraft known as 'Old Shakey' departed from McChord Air Force Base in Washington state. The flight was destined for Lawton, Oklahoma, carrying a truck, several jeeps, two trailers, and soldiers from Fort Sill who had participated in Exercise Lava Plains at the Yakima Firing Center.
Accident
After takeoff, while climbing to an altitude of 500 feet, the aircraft went out of control and crashed in flames in a wooded area located two miles south of the airport. The impact and subsequent fire resulted in 18 fatalities and four injuries. The aircraft was totally destroyed.
Crew and Passengers
The crew included Captain Warren J. Fair (pilot), Captain Alvin W. Hill (copilot), Sergeant Robert Wayne Cummins, Master Sergeant Arnold R. Neldens, Master Sergeant Raymond E. Overby, Staff Sergeant Ernest T. Landrum, and Airman Second Class James M. Smallwood. The passengers were Private James Aldrich, Master Sergeant Llewellyn Morris Chilson, Private First Class Jimmie R. Hunter, Private First Class C. L. Buchanan, Private First Class T. E. Pulliam, Private First Class D. F. Radcliff, Private First Class D. J. Smith, Private First Class O. M. Wellings, Private First Class David Hoskins, Private First Class R. R. Kubik, Specialist Fourth Class W. M. Gordon, Specialist Fourth Class W. T. Kelly, Specialist Fourth Class Joseph Lee, Sergeant A. G. Neria, and Sergeant Lawrence Harrison.
Investigation
The official investigation determined that the accident was probably caused by a ruptured fuel line resulting in engine failure during takeoff. It was also confirmed that the total weight of the aircraft was below the maximum takeoff weight at the time of the accident.