Incident Overview
As part of a combined exercise, a C-119 aircraft departed Frankfurt-Main Airbase in the afternoon alongside 17 other similar machines. While cruising at 5,000 feet, another C-119, registered 51-8235, was struck by a Republic F-84 Thunderjet, registered 51-628. The F-84 pilot was also participating in a combined exercise with 11 other Thunderjets.
Sequence of Events
Following the initial impact, the two aircraft—the F-84 and C-119 51-8235—entered a dive and subsequently struck a second C-119, registered 51-8241. All three aircraft crashed in a field in Weinheim.
Casualties
All six crew members aboard C-119 51-8235 were killed. On board C-119 51-8241, two crew members were killed and four others were rescued. The pilot of the F-84 was able to bail out and landed safely.