Mid-air collision of two C-119 aircraft near Chièvres Airbase

8 fatalities • Chièvres AFB, Belgium • Flight

Two military transport aircraft collided during a training mission near Chièvres Airbase, resulting in the loss of all crew members.

What happened

During a scheduled local training exercise, two C-119 transport planes departed from Chièvres Airbase. One of the aircraft involved was identified by the registration CP-23. While operating in the airspace near the airfield, the two planes struck one another mid-air.

The impact caused both aircraft to crash into a field situated in Montignies-lez-Lens, which is located approximately 6 km east of the departure airbase. The collision resulted in the total destruction of both airframes. There were no survivors from either flight, as all 13 crew members on board were killed in the accident.

Findings

An investigation into the incident determined that a mid-air collision between the two aircraft during the training maneuver was the primary event leading to the crash.

Probable cause

The mid-air collision of two transport aircraft during a local training exercise.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1961-12-12 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident near Chièvres AFB, Belgium?

Two military transport aircraft collided during a training mission near Chièvres Airbase, resulting in the loss of all crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 1961-12-12 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1961-12-12 involved a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, registration CP-25, operated by Belgian Air Force - Force Aérienne Belge - Belgische Luchtmacht, at Chièvres AFB, Belgium.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The mid-air collision of two transport aircraft during a local training exercise.

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