1974-09-27: Lockheed C-5 Galaxy — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — Clinton-Regional, United States of America

No fatalities • Clinton-Regional, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

Probable cause

An overheated brake ignited hydraulic fluid in the left aft landing gear well. The fire ignited tires and other components before burning through the keel beam and continuing into the right aft well. This was probably caused by a problem that occurred during taxiing at Altus AFB.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The crew departed Altus AFB in the day for a refueling training mission. En route, the pilot informed ground about technical problems and decided to divert to Clinton-Sherman Airport. For unknown reason, the crew mistook the airport and landed on runway 17 (4,300 feet long) at Clinton-Regional Airport. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the airplane overran, lost its landing gear and came to rest in a field, broken in three. All five crew members were rescued while the forward section was destroyed by a post crash fire.

Probable cause (official findings): An overheated brake ignited hydraulic fluid in the left aft landing gear well. The fire ignited tires and other components before burning through the keel beam and continuing into the right aft well. This was probably caused by a problem that occurred during taxiing at Altus AFB.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1974-09-27 Lockheed C-5 Galaxy accident near Clinton-Regional, United States of America?

The crew departed Altus AFB in the day for a refueling training mission. En route, the pilot informed ground about technical problems and decided to divert to Clinton-Sherman Airport. For unknown reason, the crew mistook the airport and landed on runway 17 (4,300 feet long) at Clinton-Regional Airport. Unable to stop…

Were there any fatalities in the 1974-09-27 Lockheed C-5 Galaxy accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1974-09-27 involved a Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, registration 68-0227, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Clinton-Regional, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An overheated brake ignited hydraulic fluid in the left aft landing gear well. The fire ignited tires and other components before burning through the keel beam and continuing into the right aft well. This was probably caused by a problem that occurred during taxiing at Altus AFB.

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