Aircraft crash near Oshima Island

25 fatalities • Ōshima Island, Japan • Flight

An aircraft crashed into the sea near Oshima Island during flight from Tokyo-Haneda, resulting in 25 fatalities and one survivor.

What happened

Approximately twenty minutes following its takeoff from Tokyo-Haneda Airport, an aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent while cruising at 3,500 feet. The flight was operating under marginal weather conditions when the plane began a dive, ultimately impacting the ocean roughly 10 miles south of Oshima Island. Following the impact, the wreckage descended to a depth of 1,500 meters.

Of the 26 people on board, 25 fatalities were recorded, with only one passenger successfully rescued from the site. Reports from the sole survivor indicate that the aircraft encountered significant turbulence and thunderstorm activity during its flight path.

Findings

Prior to the loss of control, the cabin experienced several electrical malfunctions characterized by flickering lights. The investigation into the descent suggests the aircraft was navigating adverse weather and thunderstorm activity at the time of the accident.

Probable cause

The aircraft encountered severe turbulence and thunderstorms accompanied by electrical failures during its cruise phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1950-07-27 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Ōshima Island, Japan?

An aircraft crashed into the sea near Oshima Island during flight from Tokyo-Haneda, resulting in 25 fatalities and one survivor.

Were there any fatalities in the 1950-07-27 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 25 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1950-07-27 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 44-76439, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Ōshima Island, Japan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft encountered severe turbulence and thunderstorms accompanied by electrical failures during its cruise phase.

Loading the flight search…