What happened
During a military supply operation intended to deliver ammunition to the Inje District, two C-119 transport aircraft were flying in formation. The lead aircraft was performing a side-by-side approach toward the designated drop zone alongside another C-119, identified by registration 49-0123, which was manned by a crew of seven.
As the planes approached the target area, the first aircraft sustained damage from US artillery fire. The projectile struck the tail section of the plane, causing it to lose stability and fall out of control. This loss of control resulted in a mid-air collision between the damaged aircraft and 48-0350. Both aircraft subsequently crashed at the scene.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was the impact of US artillery fire on the aircraft's tail section.
- The collision resulted in a total of 11 fatalities, as all occupants on both aircraft were killed in the crash.