107 fatalities

1962-03-16: Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation (N6921C) — Flying Tiger Line — Philippines Sea, World

Philippines Sea, WorldFlight

On March 16, 1962, a Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation (registration N6921C) operated by Flying Tiger Line was involved in an aviation accident near Philippines Sea, World in flight. 107 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The Board is unable to determine the probable cause of this accident from the evidence now available. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781244923Data APIEditorial standards

Military charter flight en route from Guam to Clark Air Force Base disappeared on March 15, 1962. 107 occupants are missing and presumed dead. No debris was found despite an extensive search.

Disappearance

On March 15, 1962, Flying Tiger Line Inc. Lockheed 1049H, registration N6921C, operating as Military Air Transport Service Flight 739/14, disappeared west of position 13 degrees 14' North Latitude and 140 degrees 00' East Longitude. The aircraft was en route from Agana Naval Air Station, Guam, to Clark Air Force Base, Philippine Islands. The last position report was received at 1422 G.m.t.

Search Efforts

The aircraft failed to arrive at Clark Air Force Base at its estimated time of arrival, 1916 G.m.t. A widespread and intensive search was initiated. At 2227 G.m.t., the estimated fuel exhaustion time for the aircraft, the flight was officially declared missing. Despite the search, no wreckage or debris that could be definitely associated with the aircraft was found.

Witness Account

Crew members of a surface vessel reported witnessing what appeared to be a midair explosion at 1530 G.m.t. This was near the position and at the time estimated by the pilot for the next scheduled position report. No physical evidence of an explosion was recovered.

Occupants

The flight carried 96 military passengers and a crew of 11, all of whom are missing and presumed dead.

Official Findings

The Board is unable to determine the probable cause of this accident from the evidence now available.