On April 20, 1954, a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar (registration 51-8153) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Clarita, United States of America during landing or approach. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck terrain while flying through fog during its approach to Burbank. 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.
A flight originating from Williams AFB crashed into a mountainside near Santa Clarita while attempting an approach to Burbank Airport.
What happened
During a flight departing from Williams Air Force Base in Arizona, the crew initiated an approach toward Burbank Airport from a northern heading. As the aircraft progressed through its descent, it encountered heavy fog. While navigating these low-visibility conditions, the aircraft struck the terrain at Mt Mission Point, which has an elevation of 2,771 feet. The impact occurred approximately five miles south of Santa Clarita.
Findings
The flight was operating in foggy weather conditions during the approach phase.
The collision occurred with a mountain slope near the destination airport.
The accident resulted in seven fatalities among the crew members.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck terrain while flying through fog during its approach to Burbank.
What happened in the 20 Apr 1954 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident near Santa Clarita, United States of America?
A flight originating from Williams AFB crashed into a mountainside near Santa Clarita while attempting an approach to Burbank Airport.
Were there any fatalities in the 20 Apr 1954 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Apr 1954 involved a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, registration 51-8153, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Santa Clarita, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft struck terrain while flying through fog during its approach to Burbank.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…