8 fatalities

Fatal aircraft accident near Tainan Airport (62-1800)

Tainan, TaiwanLanding (descent or approach)

On December 15, 1969, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 62-1800) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Tainan, Taiwan during landing or approach. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft flipped inverted after an overshoot in the traffic pattern caused by the propeller entering reverse pitch. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed short of the runway during its final approach to Tainan Airport, resulting in the deaths of all eight crew members.

What happened

During the final approach phase at Tainan Airport, an aircraft lost control and impacted the ground a few kilometers before reaching the runway. The accident resulted in eight fatalities, with no survivors among the crew members on board.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the aircraft entered an inverted position during the accident sequence. This loss of control occurred while the plane was overshooting within the traffic pattern. The primary factor identified was that the propeller transitioned into reverse pitch unexpectedly, destabilizing the flight path.

Probable cause

The aircraft flipped inverted after an overshoot in the traffic pattern caused by the propeller entering reverse pitch.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Dec 1969 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Tainan, Taiwan?

An aircraft crashed short of the runway during its final approach to Tainan Airport, resulting in the deaths of all eight crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Dec 1969 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 15 Dec 1969 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 62-1800, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Tainan, Taiwan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft flipped inverted after an overshoot in the traffic pattern caused by the propeller entering reverse pitch.