No fatalities

In-Flight Fire Forces Emergency Diversion to Westover AFB (54-0707)

Westover AFB, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 11, 1977, a Fairchild C-123 Provider (registration 54-0707) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Westover AFB, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In-flight fire of unknown origin. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft declared emergency after in-flight fire, diverted to Westover AFB, landed hard, and was destroyed. All occupants escaped uninjured.

Incident Overview During the flight, the crew contacted air traffic control (ATC) to declare an emergency after an in-flight fire occurred. The pilot-in-command decided to divert the aircraft to Westover Air Force Base (AFB). Upon arrival, the aircraft landed hard and came to rest in flames. All occupants were able to escape the aircraft without injury. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair. ## Probable Cause The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the incident was an in-flight fire of unknown origin. No specific aircraft type, registration, date, operator, or location beyond Westover AFB was provided in the source material.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Oct 1977 Fairchild C-123 Provider accident near Westover AFB, United States of America?

Aircraft declared emergency after in-flight fire, diverted to Westover AFB, landed hard, and was destroyed. All occupants escaped uninjured.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Oct 1977 Fairchild C-123 Provider accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Oct 1977 involved a Fairchild C-123 Provider, registration 54-0707, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Westover AFB, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

In-flight fire of unknown origin.