Fatal aircraft collision with terrain near Conway, Arkansas

8 fatalities • Conway, United States of America • Flight

A four-engine training flight crashed into a mountainside near Conway, resulting in the deaths of all eight crew members.

What happened

During a night training mission, an eight-person crew operating a four-engine airplane crashed into a mountain slope. The flight had originated from Little Rock-Jacksonville Air Force Base for the purpose of conducting scheduled training operations.

As the aircraft was transiting the area near Conway, approximately 20 miles northwest of its departure point, it impacted terrain. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was operating under conditions of poor weather and nighttime visibility. The impact resulted in eight fatalities, with no survivors reported from the crew.

Findings

  • The accident occurred during a night flight.
  • Environmental conditions were characterized by poor weather.
  • The aircraft struck a mountain slope during its mission.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck terrain while operating in low-visibility weather conditions at night.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1978-09-08 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Conway, United States of America?

A four-engine training flight crashed into a mountainside near Conway, resulting in the deaths of all eight crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 1978-09-08 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1978-09-08 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 64-0532, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Conway, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck terrain while operating in low-visibility weather conditions at night.

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