Accident Details
In the morning, a United States Air Force Lockheed HC-130H Hercules departed Clark Air Base in Angeles City on a search and rescue mission. The mission followed the sinking of the Japanese ship 'Shoka Maru', which was en route from Japan to Cambodia and sank in the Bashi Canal.
While cruising at low height off the Batanes Islands, the aircraft struck the top of a wave and crashed into the sea. At the time of the accident, the crew was flying at an insufficient altitude and the sea was rough with 6 to 10 meters hollows.
Casualties and Rescue
A passenger was rescued from the incident. The other 13 occupants were killed.
Aircraft and Mission
The aircraft involved was a Lockheed HC-130H Hercules operated by the United States Air Force. It was on a search and rescue mission for the sunken Japanese vessel.