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.