On April 15, 1978, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 63-7787) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Bicycle Lake AFB, United States of America during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft entered a stall while the crew was performing a final approach for landing. 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.
A training flight ended in a fatal accident at Bicycle Lake AFB when an aircraft stalled during its final approach.
What happened
During a scheduled local training mission at Bicycle Lake AFB, an aircraft experienced a loss of control while attempting to land. As the crew was executing the final approach phase of the flight, the airplane entered a stall condition.
This aerodynamic stall resulted in a crash at the airfield. The accident resulted in three fatalities among the personnel on board. Additionally, three injuries were reported following the impact.
Findings
The aircraft was in the final approach phase of flight when the incident occurred.
The primary factor leading to the crash was an aircraft stall during the landing sequence.
Probable cause
The aircraft entered a stall while the crew was performing a final approach for landing.
What happened in the 15 Apr 1978 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Bicycle Lake AFB, United States of America?
A training flight ended in a fatal accident at Bicycle Lake AFB when an aircraft stalled during its final approach.
Were there any fatalities in the 15 Apr 1978 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Apr 1978 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 63-7787, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Bicycle Lake AFB, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft entered a stall while the crew was performing a final approach for landing.
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