Engine failure leads to aircraft crash during humanitarian flight to South Korea

No fatalities • Tachikawa AFB (Tokyo), Japan • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft operating a United Nations mission crashed into a residential area in Sunahawa following an engine malfunction during its initial climb.

What happened

On the date of the incident, an aircraft performing a humanitarian mission for the United Nations Organization (UNO) was conducting flight UNO102 toward South Korea. During the initial climb phase immediately following departure, the aircraft experienced a loss of power in one of its engines. This mechanical failure led to an aerodynamic stall, causing the plane to descend uncontrollably.

The aircraft subsequently impacted a residential area within the Sunahawa district, striking several houses. Despite the impact with buildings, all four crew members on board were successfully rescued from the wreckage. There were no reports of injuries or fatalities among the residents on the ground following the crash.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor leading to the crash was an engine failure occurring shortly after takeoff, which prevented the aircraft from maintaining sufficient altitude and airspeed.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a mechanical engine failure during the initial climb, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1957-10-11 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Tachikawa AFB (Tokyo), Japan?

An aircraft operating a United Nations mission crashed into a residential area in Sunahawa following an engine malfunction during its initial climb.

Were there any fatalities in the 1957-10-11 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1957-10-11 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration L2-2/90, operated by Royal Thai Air Force - Kong Thap Akat Thai, at Tachikawa AFB (Tokyo), Japan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a mechanical engine failure during the initial climb, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact.

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