Incident Overview
A C-119 transport aircraft, participating in a combined exercise with 17 other similar machines, departed from Frankfurt-Main Airbase in the afternoon. While cruising at an altitude of 5,000 feet, the aircraft was struck by a Republic F-84 Thunderjet (registration 51-628). The pilot of the F-84 was also taking part in a combined exercise, with 11 other Thunderjets.
Sequence of Events
Following the initial impact, both aircraft entered a dive and collided with a second C-119 (registration 51-8241) flying in the same formation. This second C-119 was carrying a crew of six. All three aircraft subsequently crashed in a field located in Weinheim.
Casualties and Survivors
All six crew members on board the first C-119 (registration 51-8235) were killed. On the second C-119, two crew members were killed and four were rescued. The pilot of the fighter was able to bail out and landed safely.
Aircraft Involved
The collision involved:
- C-119 (registration not specified for the first aircraft; second C-119 registered 51-8241)
- Republic F-84 Thunderjet (registration 51-628)