Midair Collision Near Naha Involving a Douglas AD-6 Skyraider and a Flying Boxcar (128741)

Incident Overview and Route Details A crew departed Subic Bay, Cubi Point NAS, bound for Naha. The aircraft was flying in formation with a reconnaissance Douglas AD-6 Skyraider, registration 135350, which carried one pilot. The source does not specify the date, operator, or the exact type of the other aircraft beyond referring to it as a Flying Boxcar in the probable cause section. ## Collision and Casualties While approaching Naha Airport at an altitude of 1,500 feet, the two aircraft collided and crashed into the sea approximately 6.5 km from the airfield. All 26 occupants of the Flying Boxcar were killed, as was the Skyraider's pilot. ## Official Probable Cause Findings The investigation determined that the Skyraider pilot may have lost control following atmospheric turbulence in marginal weather conditions. It is also believed he failed to follow several procedures while flying in formation, possibly due to spatial disorientation combined with intense fatigue. The Flying Boxcar crew was also found to bear some responsibility for failing to maintain a sufficient safe distance and for failing to prevent the collision. ## Safety Recommendations Following the accident, all crew were required to observe a minimum safe distance of 1,000 feet while flying in formation.