Aircraft crash near Stephenville Airport

13 fatalities • Stephenville, Canada • Landing (descent or approach)

A four-engine aircraft crashed short of the runway threshold during a night approach to Stephenville Airport, resulting in 13 fatalities.

What happened

During a nighttime final approach to Stephenville Airport, a four-engine aircraft struck the ground approximately 1.5 km before reaching the runway threshold. The impact resulted in a crash at the site of the landing attempt.

Of the individuals on board, there were 13 fatalities and one survivor who was successfully rescued from the wreckage.

Findings

Initial assessments indicate that the crew was conducting the approach at an altitude that was too low for the phase of flight. The specific reason why the aircraft was flying at an insufficient height remains undetermined.

Probable cause

The aircraft was performing a final approach at an inadequate altitude.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1953-01-16 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident near Stephenville, Canada?

A four-engine aircraft crashed short of the runway threshold during a night approach to Stephenville Airport, resulting in 13 fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1953-01-16 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 13 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1953-01-16 involved a Douglas C-54 Skymaster, registration 42-72558, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Stephenville, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was performing a final approach at an inadequate altitude.

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