1966-03-20: Lockheed C-130 Hercules — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — Bardufoss, Norway

7 fatalities • Bardufoss, Norway • Landing (descent or approach)

Probable cause

According to the Accident Investigation Board, the ATC cleared the crew to descend to 6,000 feet when the crew of the plane repeated an incorrect height clearance. The radar controller at Bardufoss did not perceive the misunderstanding.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The C-130B, assigned to the 813th Tactical Carrier Wing at Forbes AFB, flew from Évreux AFB (Eure, France) to Bardufoss to pick up troops who would participate in the NATO exercise Winter Express. In snowy weather around freezing temperature with poor visibility the Hercules crashed into Svanfjellet west of Bardufoss at night at a height of 2,650 feet on the island of Senja while approaching Bardufoss Air Station. The crash killed the entire crew, five officers and two enlisted men. Source: ASN

Probable cause (official findings): According to the Accident Investigation Board, the ATC cleared the crew to descend to 6,000 feet when the crew of the plane repeated an incorrect height clearance. The radar controller at Bardufoss did not perceive the misunderstanding.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1966-03-20 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Bardufoss, Norway?

The C-130B, assigned to the 813th Tactical Carrier Wing at Forbes AFB, flew from Évreux AFB (Eure, France) to Bardufoss to pick up troops who would participate in the NATO exercise Winter Express. In snowy weather around freezing temperature with poor visibility the Hercules crashed into Svanfjellet west of Bardufoss…

Were there any fatalities in the 1966-03-20 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1966-03-20 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 61-2641, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Bardufoss, Norway.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

According to the Accident Investigation Board, the ATC cleared the crew to descend to 6,000 feet when the crew of the plane repeated an incorrect height clearance. The radar controller at Bardufoss did not perceive the misunderstanding.

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