Incident Details
A Fairchild C-119CF-FA Flying Boxcar transport plane, registration 51·8019, was dispatched with a minimum crew for a Functional Check Flight (FCF) following a periodic inspection. While conducting checks at an altitude of 5,000 feet, the number two propeller failed to fully feather and continued to windmill. The crew decided to immediately return to Belleville-Scott Air Force Base, Illinois (BLV).
The pilot requested a straight-in approach to runway 31. Engine number two was shut down, and the aircraft was configured for landing. On the first approach, the airplane was high, so the crew performed a go-around and set up for a second attempt. During the second approach, the aircraft was slightly high and too fast, prompting the pilot to call for another go-around.
As the crew transitioned from a high rate of descent to level flight for the go-around, the indicated airspeed remained around 130 knots. The captain raised the flaps from 40° to 20° and reached for the landing gear up switch. The aircraft then struck the runway, slid off the end, and came to rest in a grassy field.
Aftermath
A fire broke out following the impact but was quickly contained by base crash and rescue crews. No further details were provided regarding injuries or damage.