On January 24, 1959, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration 44-9059) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Akron-Canton, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Pilot error. 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.
A four-engine aircraft crashed short of the runway at Akron-Canton Airport after a flight from Bolling AFB, striking an embankment, shearing off its undercarriage, and bursting into flames. All 10 crew members escaped with injuries.
Accident Details
A four-engine aircraft departed Bolling AFB en route to Travis AFB with an intermediate stop at Akron-Canton Airport. On short final approach, the airplane was too low and collided with an embankment located 50 feet short of the runway. Upon impact, the undercarriage were sheared off, and the aircraft crash-landed on its belly, skidding for approximately 300 meters before coming to rest and bursting into flames.
Crew and Damage
All 10 crew members escaped with various injuries. The airplane was destroyed by fire.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be pilot error.