FlightFinder
Check my flight
23 fatalities

Four-Engine Aircraft Crash into Sea Near Ashiya AFB (42-72457)

Ashiya AFB, JapanTakeoff (climb)

On September 26, 1950, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration 42-72457) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Ashiya AFB, Japan during takeoff. 23 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

A four-engine aircraft crashed into the sea 1,500 meters off Ashiya AFB shortly after takeoff, killing 23 people and rescuing 28. The exact cause remains unknown.

Incident Overview and Casualties A four-engine aircraft crashed into the sea approximately 1,500 meters off the coast of Ashiya AFB shortly after takeoff from runway 30. The accident occurred during the initial climb phase of flight. Eighteen passengers and five crew members were killed in the crash, while 28 other occupants were rescued. ## Flight Details and Investigation The aircraft was en route to Seoul-Kimpo and was carrying 43 soldiers to the Korean War theater. The exact cause of the occurrence remains unknown, as no definitive findings have been established regarding the stall and subsequent crash.

Related events

Same operator

More accident analyses