On January 25, 1968, a Fairchild C-123 Provider (registration 55-4518) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Duke Field, United States of America during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The approach speed was too low, causing the aircraft to stall during the last turn at low height. The distance between the aircraft and the ground was insufficient to expect recovery. 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.
During a training mission at Duke Field, Florida, an aircraft stalled on final approach, crashed half a mile short of the runway, and was destroyed. All four crew members were killed. Investigators cited low approach speed as the cause.
Incident Details
A local training mission was being conducted at Duke Field, Florida. The crew executed several touch-and-go manoeuvres. After completing a low-altitude circuit, they began a new approach. During the final turn, the airplane stalled and crashed in flames half a mile short of the runway threshold. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact and subsequent fire. All four crew members onboard were killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation concluded that the probable cause of the accident was an approach speed that was too low. This led to an aerodynamic stall during the last turn at a low height. The altitude at which the stall occurred was insufficient to allow for recovery, and the aircraft impacted the ground.