Aircraft crash at Ramstein Air Base ammunition depot

9 fatalities • Ramstein AFB, Germany • Takeoff (climb)

A four-engine aircraft crashed into an ammunition depot shortly after departing Ramstein Air Base, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During the initial climb phase following departure from Ramstein Air Base, a four-engine airplane experienced a loss of control. The aircraft's nose pitched upward, leading to a tail stall that caused it to descend into an ammunition depot located near the airfield. Upon impact with the facility, the plane ignited, resulting in a large fire.

There were nine fatalities recorded among the occupants of the aircraft, with no survivors reported from the crash site.

Findings

Preliminary reports indicate that the accident was characterized by an aerodynamic stall. Specifically, the aircraft's tail stalled after the nose pitched up during the early stages of flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a tail stall during the initial climb phase following takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1981-01-14 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Ramstein AFB, Germany?

A four-engine aircraft crashed into an ammunition depot shortly after departing Ramstein Air Base, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1981-01-14 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1981-01-14 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 69-6581, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Ramstein AFB, Germany.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a tail stall during the initial climb phase following takeoff.

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