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29 fatalities

Four-Engine Aircraft Crash in the Pacific Ocean (56541)

Pacific Ocean, WorldFlight

On September 22, 1960, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration 56541) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Pacific Ocean, World in flight. 29 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fire of the engine number three in flight for unknown reason. 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 crashed into the Pacific Ocean after reporting an engine fire while en route from Atsugi to Subic Bay. No trace of the 29 occupants was found.

Incident Overview and Diversion Requested During the flight from Atsugi to Subic Bay, the crew reported to air traffic control that engine number three had caught fire. The flight crew elected to divert to Naha Airport in Okinawa. Shortly after 1400 local time, the captain provided a position report, maintained an altitude of 6,500 feet on a 339-degree heading, and requested maritime assistance in the event of a ditching. This transmission was the last communication received from the aircraft. The four-engine aircraft subsequently crashed into the Pacific Ocean approximately 290 kilometers southeast of Okinawa Island. Search efforts recovered only 350 kilograms of debris floating on the water, and no trace of the 29 occupants was found.

Probable cause

Fire of the engine number three in flight for unknown reason.
In-flight fire & smoke

Related events

Same operator

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