6 fatalities

Fatal Four-Engine Aircraft Crash Near Charleston (68-10936)

Cottageville, United States of AmericaFlight

On November 30, 1978, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 68-10936) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Cottageville, United States of America in flight. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control after being struck by lightning. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft crashed into a field while en route from Pope AFB to Charleston during stormy weather at 14,000 feet. The loss of control following a lightning strike resulted in the deaths of all six crew members.

Incident Overview

An aviation accident occurred involving a four-engine aircraft operating on a flight from Pope Air Force Base to Charleston. The incident took place while the aircraft was en route and flying at an altitude of 14,000 feet. At the time of the event, the region was experiencing stormy weather conditions.

Sequence of Events

During the flight, the aircraft was struck by lightning. This external impact led to a loss of control for the pilot. Following the loss of control, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled spiral and descended rapidly toward the ground. The plane ultimately crashed into a field, resulting in the destruction of the airframe.

Casualties

The accident resulted in fatal injuries for everyone on board. All six crew members were killed in the crash. There were no survivors reported from this incident.

Probable cause

Loss of control after being struck by lightning.