On July 5, 1980, a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar (registration N90268) operated by Gifford Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near King Salmon, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fire observed in the left engine nacelle area and the left wing tip exploded for reasons that could not be determined. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing at King Salmon Airport, a left engine fire warning and wing tip explosion occurred. The crew lost control, the aircraft veered off the runway and was engulfed in flames. Both occupants escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. The cause could not be determined.
Occurrence
The aircraft was on approach to land at King Salmon Airport. During the landing rollout, the left engine fire warning activated. Concurrently, an explosion took place in the left wing tip. The flight crew lost control of the aircraft, which then veered off the runway and came to rest while engulfed in flames.
Injuries and Damage
Both occupants escaped from the aircraft without injury. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it beyond economical repair.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that a fire occurred in the left engine nacelle area and the left wing tip exploded. The cause of the fire and explosion could not be determined.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 5 Jul 1980 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident near King Salmon, United States of America?
During landing at King Salmon Airport, a left engine fire warning and wing tip explosion occurred. The crew lost control, the aircraft veered off the runway and was engulfed in flames. Both occupants escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. The cause could not be determined.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jul 1980 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Jul 1980 involved a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, registration N90268, operated by Gifford Aviation, at King Salmon, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Fire observed in the left engine nacelle area and the left wing tip exploded for reasons that could not be determined.