Mid-air collision involving USAF F-102A and Hercules during training mission

12 fatalities • Myrtle Beach, United States of America • Flight

A mid-air collision between a US Air Force interceptor and a Hercules transport aircraft resulted in the deaths of all 13 people on board both aircraft.

What happened

During a scheduled local training exercise, a Hercules aircraft was acting as a target for an interception maneuver. The mission involved a USAF Convair F-102A Delta Dagger, identified by registration 56-1517, attempting to intercept the transport plane. During the course of the flight, the two aircraft collided in mid-air. Following the impact, both planes descended rapidly into the ground, resulting in a crash that caused 13 fatalities. There were no survivors among the crew members on either aircraft.

Findings

Preliminary assessments suggest that the accident was driven by inadequate coordination and poor judgment between the two flight crews during the interception attempt.

Probable cause

The collision was likely caused by a lack of effective communication and improper decision-making by the pilots during the training maneuver.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-12-05 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Myrtle Beach, United States of America?

A mid-air collision between a US Air Force interceptor and a Hercules transport aircraft resulted in the deaths of all 13 people on board both aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-12-05 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 12 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-12-05 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 64-0558, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Myrtle Beach, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collision was likely caused by a lack of effective communication and improper decision-making by the pilots during the training maneuver.

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