1999-12-09: Lockheed C-130 Hercules — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — Kuwait City, Kuwait

3 fatalities • Kuwait City, Kuwait • Landing (descent or approach)

Probable cause

Failure of the crew to follow the published procedures. The following contributing factors were identified: - Crew complacency, - The pilot-in-command suffered a spatial disorientation at a critical phase of the flight, resulting in the crew's loss of situational awareness and failing to recognize an unsafe descent, - Lack of pilot leadership and discipline, - Lack of support from the copilot, navigator, and flight engineer, - Overall lack of sound judgment by the flight deck crew.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

On a night approach to Kuwait-Ahmed Al-Jaber AFB, the aircraft impacted the ground approximately 2,895 feet short and about 40 feet to the left of the runway centerline. On impact, the undercarriage were torn off and some penetrated the cabin floor. The crew initiated a go-around procedure and diverted to the Kuwait International Airport where he completed an emergency belly landing. Three passengers were killed while all other occupants were rescued. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Probable cause (official findings): Failure of the crew to follow the published procedures. The following contributing factors were identified: - Crew complacency, - The pilot-in-command suffered a spatial disorientation at a critical phase of the flight, resulting in the crew's loss of situational awareness and failing to recognize an unsafe descent, - Lack of pilot leadership and discipline, - Lack of support from the copilot, navigator, and flight engineer, - Overall lack of sound judgment by the flight deck crew.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-12-09 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Kuwait City, Kuwait?

On a night approach to Kuwait-Ahmed Al-Jaber AFB, the aircraft impacted the ground approximately 2,895 feet short and about 40 feet to the left of the runway centerline. On impact, the undercarriage were torn off and some penetrated the cabin floor. The crew initiated a go-around procedure and diverted to the Kuwait…

Were there any fatalities in the 1999-12-09 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 1999-12-09 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 63-7854, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Kuwait City, Kuwait.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the crew to follow the published procedures. The following contributing factors were identified: - Crew complacency, - The pilot-in-command suffered a spatial disorientation at a critical phase of the flight, resulting in the crew's loss of situational awareness and failing to recognize an unsafe descent,…

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