What happened
During an operational sequence involving a Lockheed Hercules, a malfunction occurred within the propeller pitch mechanism. This specific failure prevented one of the engines' propellers from being utilized to assist in decelerating the aircraft.
As the plane approached the end of the runway, the crew attempted to avoid a collision with a truck positioned at the runway's terminus. During this maneuver, the aircraft swerved off the paved surface and entered a ditch. While the initial impact resulted in damage that was considered repairable, the aircraft was subsequently destroyed during the recovery process. The loss occurred when personnel attempted to tow the plane using a tank and a steel cable threaded through openings in the fuselage, which caused the airframe to be damaged beyond repair.
Findings
- A mechanical failure in the propeller pitch mechanism inhibited effective deceleration.
- The aircraft's excursion from the runway was an intentional maneuver to avoid ground vehicle contact.