On January 8, 1966, a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar (registration 51-2611) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Scranton, United States of America in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure 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.
A cargo flight from Hartford to Binghamton experienced an engine failure en route. The aircraft dove into the ground at 2,000 feet, the mechanic bailed out, and it crashed into a house in Scranton, killing both pilots and a boy on the ground.
Incident Overview
A cargo flight en route from Hartford to Binghamton crashed into a residential house in Scranton after an engine failure. The aircraft was carrying a load of various equipment. The crew consisted of two pilots and a mechanic.
Sequence of Events
During the flight, one of the engines failed. The pilot was unable to maintain a safe altitude. As the aircraft descended, at an altitude of approximately 2,000 feet, the mechanic bailed out. The airplane then dove into the ground and collided with a house in Scranton. Both pilots and a boy on the ground were killed in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be engine failure in flight.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 8 Jan 1966 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident near Scranton, United States of America?
A cargo flight from Hartford to Binghamton experienced an engine failure en route. The aircraft dove into the ground at 2,000 feet, the mechanic bailed out, and it crashed into a house in Scranton, killing both pilots and a boy on the ground.
Were there any fatalities in the 8 Jan 1966 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 8 Jan 1966 involved a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, registration 51-2611, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Scranton, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Engine failure in flight.