5 fatalities

Fatal Training Accident at Smyrna-Sewart AFB (56-0488)

Sewart AFB (Smyrna), United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On November 26, 1962, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 56-0488) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Sewart AFB (Smyrna), United States of America during takeoff. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control caused by the failure of both left engines shortly after rotation. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A local training mission at Smyrna-Sewart AFB ended in a fatal crash near the runway end. The aircraft lost control and altitude shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of all five crew members.

Incident Overview

An aviation accident occurred during a local training exercise conducted at Smyrna-Sewart Air Force Base in Tennessee. The incident involved a military aircraft operating under standard training protocols when it encountered a critical mechanical failure immediately following departure from the ground.

Sequence of Events

According to official records, the event began shortly after the aircraft rotated for takeoff. While in the initial climb phase, the airplane experienced a sudden loss of control. The aircraft banked sharply to the left and rapidly lost altitude. Unable to recover, the plane crashed in the vicinity of the runway end.

Casualties

The impact resulted in the tragic loss of all personnel on board. All five crew members assigned to the training mission were killed in the accident.

Probable cause

Loss of control caused by the failure of both left engines shortly after rotation.