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Aircraft Crash at Bedford-Hanscom Field AFB (45-0585)

Bedford-Laurence G. Hanscom Field, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On May 22, 1968, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration 45-0585) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Bedford-Laurence G. Hanscom Field, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to realize their altitude was too low during final approach, causing the aircraft to strike trees, stall, and crash. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed in a wooded area less than a mile from the runway threshold at Bedford-Hanscom Field AFB after striking trees during final approach. All three crew members were seriously injured, and the aircraft was destroyed by a post-crash fire.

Incident Overview During final approach to Bedford-Hanscom Field AFB, an aircraft struck trees and subsequently stalled, resulting in a crash in a wooded area located less than a mile from the runway threshold. The aircraft was destroyed by a post-crash fire. ## Crew Injuries All three crew members on board were seriously injured in the accident. ## Contributing Factors The investigation indicated that the crew failed to realize their altitude was too low during the final approach, which led to the aircraft striking trees before the crash. No specific aircraft type, registration, date, operator, or location beyond the airfield name is provided in the source material.

Probable cause

The crew failed to realize their altitude was too low during final approach, causing the aircraft to strike trees, stall, and crash.
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 May 1968 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident near Bedford-Laurence G. Hanscom Field, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed in a wooded area less than a mile from the runway threshold at Bedford-Hanscom Field AFB after striking trees during final approach. All three crew members were seriously injured, and the aircraft was destroyed by a post-crash fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 May 1968 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 May 1968 involved a Douglas C-54 Skymaster, registration 45-0585, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Bedford-Laurence G. Hanscom Field, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to realize their altitude was too low during final approach, causing the aircraft to strike trees, stall, and crash.

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