No fatalities

Engine failure during approach to Niigata Airport (49-0103)

Niigata, JapanLanding (descent or approach)

On July 25, 1952, a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar (registration 49-0103) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Niigata, Japan during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine failed during the final approach to the airport. 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

An aircraft experienced an engine failure while on final approach to Niigata Airport, resulting in a crash short of the runway.

What happened

During the final approach phase at Niigata Airport, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of power due to an engine failure. Following this mechanical malfunction, the aircraft entered a stall condition. The descent continued until the plane impacted the ground approximately 3.2 km before reaching the runway threshold.

Despite the impact, there were no fatalities or injuries reported among those on board. However, the incident resulted in the total loss of the aircraft, which was subsequently declared a write-off.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the primary factor leading to the accident was an engine failure occurring while the aircraft was configured for landing.

Probable cause

The engine failed during the final approach to the airport.