38 fatalities

1950-12-19: Douglas C-54 Skymaster (44-9096) — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — Mt Tabayoc, Philippines

Mt Tabayoc, PhilippinesFlight

On December 19, 1950, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration 44-9096) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Tabayoc, Philippines in flight. 38 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew was flying under instrument flight rules when the accident occurred and no mechanical failure was reported on the aircraft. Thus, the accident was considered as a controlled flight into terrain. 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 1781257076Data APIEditorial standards

While cruising at 8,000 feet in low visibility, a four-engine aircraft struck Mount Tabeyoc at 9,322 feet, approximately 150 km north of Clark AFB. All 38 occupants were killed.

Accident

A four-engine aircraft, cruising at an altitude of 8,000 feet, struck the slope of Mount Tabeyoc (9,322 feet high) located about 150 km north of Clark AFB. At the time of the accident, visibility was reduced due to clouds in the area, and the crew was unable to distinguish the mountain.

Wreckage and Casualties

The wreckage was found two days later in an isolated area. All 38 occupants were killed.

Probable Cause

The crew was flying under instrument flight rules when the accident occurred, and no mechanical failure was reported on the aircraft. The accident was considered a controlled flight into terrain.