Fatal accident involving four-engine aircraft during glider tow training

8 fatalities • Fort Wainwright AFB (Ladd Field), United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

A four-engine aircraft and its crew were killed when a towing rope became entangled with the elevator during an initial climb.

What happened

During a local flight training mission, a four-engine aircraft was engaged in the process of towing a glider. Shortly after the aircraft departed from the runway and entered its initial climb phase, a critical mechanical failure occurred involving the towing equipment. The rope used to connect the glider to the towing aircraft became wrapped around the elevator control surface.

This entanglement disrupted the flight controls, leading to an immediate loss of control. The aircraft subsequently crashed during the early stages of the ascent. There were no survivors among the eight crew members on board the aircraft.

Probable cause

The towing rope became entangled with the aircraft's elevator during the initial climb phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1951-04-10 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident near Fort Wainwright AFB (Ladd Field), United States of America?

A four-engine aircraft and its crew were killed when a towing rope became entangled with the elevator during an initial climb.

Were there any fatalities in the 1951-04-10 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1951-04-10 involved a Douglas C-54 Skymaster, registration 42-72734, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Fort Wainwright AFB (Ladd Field), United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The towing rope became entangled with the aircraft's elevator during the initial climb phase.

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