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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)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data 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.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jan 1961 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident near Fort Campbell AFB, United States of America?

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

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Jan 1961 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jan 1961 involved a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, registration 51-2639, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Fort Campbell AFB, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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

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