No fatalities

Four-engine aircraft strikes terrain during approach to Manila (39147)

Manila, PhilippinesLanding (descent or approach)

On November 30, 1945, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration 39147) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Manila, Philippines during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was too low on final approach, causing it to strike a hillside. 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 impacted a hill while on final approach to Manila Airport, resulting in significant structural damage but no injuries to those on board.

What happened

During the final approach phase for Manila Airport, a four-engine aircraft encountered a critical altitude deviation. The aircraft descended below the safe glide path and subsequently struck a hillside. Despite the impact with the terrain, there were no casualties reported among the occupants. However, the collision caused extensive structural damage to the airframe, rendering it beyond economic repair.

Findings

The primary factor in the accident was the aircraft being too low during the approach sequence. This altitude error led directly to the ground impact with the hill.

Probable cause

The aircraft was too low on final approach, causing it to strike a hillside.