On March 30, 1951, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration N74644) operated by Seaboard & Western Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Keflavik, Iceland during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft veered right of the runway and struck snow banks following touchdown, resulting in a post-crash fire. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A four-engine aircraft caught fire after veering off the runway and striking snow banks during landing at Keflavik Airport.
What happened
During the landing phase at Keflavik Airport, a four-engine aircraft experienced a runway excursion immediately following touchdown. After making contact with the runway surface, the aircraft drifted toward the right side of the pavement. The movement caused the plane to collide with frozen snow banks located adjacent to the runway.
Upon impact with the snow banks, the aircraft's structure was compromised, leading to a post-crash fire that consumed the vehicle. Despite the intensity of the flames, all six crew members were able to evacuate the aircraft without injury. The aircraft was subsequently destroyed by the fire.
Findings
The aircraft veered off the runway after touchdown.
Impact with frozen snow banks triggered the fire.
Probable cause
The aircraft veered right of the runway and struck snow banks following touchdown, resulting in a post-crash fire.