4 fatalities

1980-10-02: Lockheed C-130 Hercules (56-0504) — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — McMinnville, United States of America

McMinnville, United States of AmericaFlight

On October 2, 1980, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 56-0504) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near McMinnville, United States of America in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft became uncontrollable due to the failure of the left wing leading edge. 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)Primary reportUpdated 1781223396Data APIEditorial standards

A low-level training mission ended in a fatal crash in a field near McMinnville, resulting in the deaths of all four people on board.

What happened

During a scheduled low-altitude training operation, an aircraft crashed into an open field located in the vicinity of McMinnville. The flight was being conducted as part of a routine training session when the impact occurred.

There were four fatalities recorded following the accident, as all members of the crew perished in the crash. No other injuries were reported among the occupants.

Findings

The investigation into the accident determined that the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control. This instability was triggered by the structural failure of the left wing's leading edge during the flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft became uncontrollable due to the failure of the left wing leading edge.