What happened
A flight originating from Sewart AFB in Smyrna, Tennessee, was en route to Harrisburg-Intl Airport (Olmsted AFB) when it encountered fatal terrain. While traversing the airspace above Newburg, the aircraft collided with a mountain slope situated approximately 7 miles north of the town.
The impact occurred during the cruise phase of the flight. The collision resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and caused four fatalities among the crew members on board.
Findings
Investigations into the accident indicate that the crew was operating at an insufficient altitude during the flight segment over Newburg. The primary factor in the crash was the failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain while navigating the mountainous area.