No fatalities

Aircraft Overrun After Landing at Wake Island Airport (PI-C291)

Wake Island, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On November 15, 1948, a Douglas DC-6 (registration PI-C291) operated by Philippine Airlines - PAL was involved in an aviation accident near Wake Island, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. 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 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft overshot the runway at Wake Island Airport after landing, resulting in no injuries but total loss of the airframe.

What happened

The incident occurred following a standard approach and touchdown at Wake Island Airport. Upon completing the landing phase, the four engine aircraft experienced significant difficulties during the deceleration process. The crew was unable to bring the plane to a halt within the available runway length, causing it to overrun the paved surface. The aircraft eventually came to rest off the airfield perimeter.

Despite the structural impact of the overland excursion, there were no casualties reported among the occupants. However, the extent of the damage sustained by the airframe was severe enough that it was subsequently declared a total loss and written off.