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7 fatalities

Engine Failure Leads to Crash at Fort Bragg Mess Hall (51-2679)

Pope AFB (Fayetteville), United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On March 30, 1954, a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar (registration 51-2679) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Pope AFB (Fayetteville), United States of America during takeoff. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure during initial climb. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A military aircraft departing Pope AFB experienced an engine failure during initial climb, stalled, and crashed into a mess hall at Fort Bragg, killing seven and injuring nine.

Incident Overview

Shortly after takeoff from Pope Air Force Base, a climbing aircraft suffered an engine failure. The airplane subsequently stalled and crashed into a mess hall at Fort Bragg, resulting in a massive explosion. The accident killed two crew members and five officers on the ground, while nine other people were injured, including four crew members.

Casualties

Fatalities:

  • 1st Lt Albert W. Parks (pilot)
  • A1c Rudolph Valentino Short
  • Cpl Robert Dervan
  • Cpl Donald F. Greenlee
  • Pvt James A. Macre
  • Cpl Osman S. Palmer

Injured:

  • Cwo William Angeloff
  • 1st Lt Raymond Fitzsimmons (copilot)
  • Pvt Ralph E. Salisbury
  • A1c Eugene R. Snyder
  • Sgt Henry C. Clay
  • Pfc William Cook
  • Pfc Edward Ellison
  • Edward A. Ross
  • Cpt Charles L. Shirley

Official Cause

The probable cause, as stated in official findings, was engine failure during initial climb.

Engine failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Mar 1954 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident near Pope AFB (Fayetteville), United States of America?

A military aircraft departing Pope AFB experienced an engine failure during initial climb, stalled, and crashed into a mess hall at Fort Bragg, killing seven and injuring nine.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Mar 1954 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Mar 1954 involved a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, registration 51-2679, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Pope AFB (Fayetteville), United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure during initial climb.

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