Accident Overview
An aircraft participating in a paratrooper drop exercise departed Pope Army Airfield alongside 11 other similar aircraft. During the flight, an engine failed. The pilot subsequently lost control of the aircraft, which departed from the formation and entered a dive.
Collision with Paratroopers
While diving, the aircraft struck ten paratroopers who had just bailed out from other aircraft. The aircraft then crashed in a field located a few miles from the airport.
Occupants and Fatalities
The aircraft was carrying five occupants: four crew members and one doctor from Fort Bragg. All five occupants were killed. Additionally, the ten paratroopers struck during the dive were also killed.