5 fatalities

Fatal crash during approach to Fort Campbell Air Force Base (51-2639)

Fort Campbell AFB, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 15, 1961, a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar (registration 51-2639) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Campbell AFB, United States of America during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to maintain the necessary altitude during the approach to the runway. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A military aircraft crashed into a hillside short of the runway at Fort Campbell Air Force Base, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

Following a routine flight departing from Kelly AFB, an aircraft was performing its approach to Fort Campbell Air Force Base. During this final phase of flight, the aircraft struck a hill situated approximately 3.9 miles before reaching the runway. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the plane.

Findings

  • There were five fatalities among the crew members on board.
  • Investigations indicated that the crew did not recognize that the plane was at an inadequate altitude during the descent.
  • The primary factor in the accident was a failure to maintain sufficient altitude while approaching the airfield.

Probable cause

The crew failed to maintain the necessary altitude during the approach to the runway.