Fatal training accident involving Lockheed C-130 Hercules at Agana-Antonio Borja Won Pat Airport

6 fatalities • Agana-Antonio Borja Won Pat, Guam Island • Landing (descent or approach)

A night training flight ended in a fatal crash after an engine shutdown procedure led to a loss of altitude and subsequent collision with a parked aircraft.

What happened

During a scheduled night training mission, the crew departed from Andersen Air Force Base. As the Lockheed C-130 Hercules approached Agana-Antonio Borja Won Pat Airport, the instructor pilot initiated a procedure to shut down engines number 3 and 4. Following this shutdown, the aircraft experienced a significant loss of altitude during the approach phase.

The aircraft made a heavy landing on the runway, which caused the right main gear tires to burst upon impact. The resulting loss of control forced the plane to veer off the runway to the right side. The trajectory of the aircraft took it through the apron area, where it struck a stationary fighter jet. The sequence concluded when the wreckage came to rest against an embankment and ignited into a fire.

Findings

  • The accident resulted in six fatalities with no survivors among the crew.
  • The Lockheed C-130 Hercules was completely destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire.
  • The primary factor in the loss of control was the intentional shutdown of two engines during the approach, which led to insufficient altitude maintenance.

Probable cause

The loss of altitude and subsequent crash were caused by the decision to shut down two engines during the final approach phase of flight.

Related events

Same operator

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1974-04-20 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Agana-Antonio Borja Won Pat, Guam Island?

A night training flight ended in a fatal crash after an engine shutdown procedure led to a loss of altitude and subsequent collision with a parked aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 1974-04-20 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1974-04-20 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 62-1841, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Agana-Antonio Borja Won Pat, Guam Island.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of altitude and subsequent crash were caused by the decision to shut down two engines during the final approach phase of flight.

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