Fatal training accident at Smyrna-Sewart Air Force Base

5 fatalities • Sewart AFB (Smyrna), United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

A training flight involving five crew members ended in a fatal crash during the initial climb phase at an airbase in Tennessee.

What happened

During a scheduled local training mission at Smyrna-Sewart AFB in Tennessee, an aircraft experienced a catastrophic failure shortly after departing the runway. As the plane entered its initial climb, it began a leftward bank and subsequently lost altitude. The aircraft impacted the ground near the end of the runway.

All five crew members on board were killed in the accident.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the primary cause was a simultaneous failure of both left engines immediately following rotation, which resulted in a total loss of control.

Probable cause

The simultaneous failure of both left-side engines during the takeoff rotation led to a loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1962-11-26 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Sewart AFB (Smyrna), United States of America?

A training flight involving five crew members ended in a fatal crash during the initial climb phase at an airbase in Tennessee.

Were there any fatalities in the 1962-11-26 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1962-11-26 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 56-0488, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Sewart AFB (Smyrna), United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The simultaneous failure of both left-side engines during the takeoff rotation led to a loss of control.

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