No fatalities

Kodiak Airport Runway Overrun Incident (45-0570)

Kodiak, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 11, 1950, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration 45-0570) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Kodiak, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Following a wrong approach configuration, the pilot in command landed long, reducing the landing distance available. 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 overran the runway at Kodiak Airport after a long landing caused by incorrect approach configuration, crashing into St Paul Bay. Six of the 28 occupants were injured, and the airframe was destroyed.

Incident Overview

An aviation safety incident occurred at Kodiak Airport involving a four-engine aircraft. Following touchdown, the aircraft failed to decelerate within the remaining runway distance. Consequently, the plane overran the end of the runway and plunged into St Paul Bay.

Damage and Casualties

The impact with the water resulted in severe structural damage, rendering the aircraft beyond repair. There were 28 individuals on board at the time of the accident. Of these occupants, six sustained injuries during the event.

Investigation Findings

Official investigation findings identified the root cause of the incident. The pilot in command executed a landing that was significantly long due to an incorrect approach configuration. This error reduced the available landing distance, preventing the aircraft from stopping safely on the runway surface.

Probable cause

Following a wrong approach configuration, the pilot in command landed long, reducing the landing distance available.