What happened
During a military supply operation intended to deliver ammunition to the Inje District, two C-119 aircraft were flying in close formation. One of the aircraft was operating alongside another USAF C-119, identified by registration 48-0350, which was manned by a crew of four. As the planes approached the designated drop zone, the first aircraft was struck in its tail section by US artillery fire.
This impact caused the plane to lose control, leading to a mid-air collision with the second aircraft. The subsequent crash resulted in the deaths of eleven people on board both planes. The crew members involved in the incident included several officers and non-commissioned officers serving with the US Air Force.
Findings
The investigation determined that the primary factor in the accident was that the aircraft was accidentally struck by friendly artillery fire, which triggered the loss of control and the subsequent collision.