C-130J Super Hercules crash near Karauli

5 fatalities • Karauli, India • Flight

A military C-130J Super Hercules crashed in a riverbed near Karauli during a low-altitude training mission, resulting in five fatalities.

What happened

On a scheduled training mission, a C-130J Super Hercules departed from Agra-Kheria Airport at 10:00 local time. The aircraft was operating as part of a joint exercise alongside a second C-130, with the primary objective being the simulation of low-altitude cargo drops. The flight was manned by a crew of five.

While flying at an altitude of approximately 300 feet, the aircraft encountered intense wake turbulence generated by the preceding plane in the formation. In an effort to recover altitude and stabilize the aircraft, the crew attempted to climb; however, the aircraft subsequently lost control. The plane impacted the rocky terrain of a riverbed located near Karauli. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe and five fatalities, with no survivors reported.

Findings

Preliminary details suggest that the primary factor in the accident was the encounter with wake turbulence from the lead aircraft during the low-altitude maneuver.

Probable cause

The aircraft encountered wake turbulence from a preceding plane during a low-altitude training exercise, leading to a loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-03-28 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Karauli, India?

A military C-130J Super Hercules crashed in a riverbed near Karauli during a low-altitude training mission, resulting in five fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2014-03-28 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-03-28 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration KC-3803, operated by Indian Air Force - Bharatiya Vayu Sena, at Karauli, India.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft encountered wake turbulence from a preceding plane during a low-altitude training exercise, leading to a loss of control.

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