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Engine Failure Forces Ditching off Gampo; Three Crew Members Killed (49-0172)

Gampo, South KoreaFlight

On January 16, 1952, a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar (registration 49-0172) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Gampo, South Korea in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that a technical issue occurred on both propeller blades that may have detached in flight. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a supply mission from Pohang to Seoul, the crew experienced a major technical issue with both engines and ditched the aircraft off Gampo. Three of the five crew members were killed; two were rescued.

Incident

While cruising along the coast, the crew of a supply mission encountered a major technical issue with both engines. The pilot-in-command elected to ditch the aircraft several kilometers off Gampo. The aircraft was performing a supply mission from Pohang to Seoul.

Crew and Casualties

The crew consisted of five members: 1st Lt Charles S. Aldrich, 1st Lt Robert K. Bancker, Cpt Joseph R. Hewitt, T/Sgt William A. Metcalfe, and Cpl Billy J. Robinson. Three crew members—Cpt Joseph R. Hewitt, T/Sgt William A. Metcalfe, and Cpl Billy J. Robinson—were killed. The other two, 1st Lt Aldrich and 1st Lt Bancker, were rescued.

Probable Cause

Official findings state that it is believed a technical issue occurred on both propeller blades that may have detached in flight.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jan 1952 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident near Gampo, South Korea?

During a supply mission from Pohang to Seoul, the crew experienced a major technical issue with both engines and ditched the aircraft off Gampo. Three of the five crew members were killed; two were rescued.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Jan 1952 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jan 1952 involved a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, registration 49-0172, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Gampo, South Korea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It is believed that a technical issue occurred on both propeller blades that may have detached in flight.

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