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2 fatalities

Cargo Aircraft Crashes on Greenland Ice Cap, Two Fatalities (N68736)

Greenland, GreenlandFlight

On May 13, 1957, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration N68736) operated by United States Overseas Airlines - USOA was involved in an aviation accident near Greenland, Greenland in flight. 2 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo aircraft on a fuel transport mission crashed during a VFR descent on the Greenland ice cap. The copilot survived; two crew members died. The aircraft slid 4,500 feet after impact.

Accident Overview

A cargo aircraft operating under contract to transport diesel oil from Narsarsuaq, Greenland, to various DEW Line sites crashed on the Greenland ice cap. The flight was returning from DEW site 39 when the accident occurred during a visual flight rules (VFR) descent at approximately 0335 local time.

Occupants and Injuries

The aircraft carried a crew of three and no passengers. After the crash, the copilot survived, while the other two occupants were killed.

Crash Sequence

Following impact with the ice cap, the airplane skidded approximately 4,500 feet before coming to rest.

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