No fatalities

Aircraft Overruns Runway After Right Engine Failure During Takeoff at Ashiya Airbase (53-3150)

Ashiya AFB, JapanTakeoff (climb)

On March 30, 1956, a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar (registration 53-3150) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Ashiya AFB, Japan during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of power on right engine for undetermined reason. 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

Aircraft experienced right engine power loss at 70 knots during takeoff from Ashiya Airbase. Captain aborted departure and applied emergency braking but overran the runway, losing undercarriage. All seven crew evacuated safely.

Incident Overview

A multi-engine aircraft was conducting a takeoff on runway 30 at Ashiya Airbase. During the takeoff roll, as the aircraft accelerated to 70 knots, the right engine lost power. The captain decided to abandon the departure and initiated an emergency braking procedure.

Sequence of Events

Unable to stop within the remaining runway length—runway 30 measures 6,000 feet—the aircraft overran the runway end. The undercarriage was lost during the overrun, and the aircraft came to a halt in a grassy area beyond the runway.

Aftermath

All seven crew members evacuated the aircraft safely. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.

Probable Cause

The official findings state the probable cause as a loss of power on the right engine for an undetermined reason.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Mar 1956 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident near Ashiya AFB, Japan?

Aircraft experienced right engine power loss at 70 knots during takeoff from Ashiya Airbase. Captain aborted departure and applied emergency braking but overran the runway, losing undercarriage. All seven crew evacuated safely.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Mar 1956 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Mar 1956 involved a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, registration 53-3150, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Ashiya AFB, Japan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of power on right engine for undetermined reason