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63 fatalities

Four-Engine Aircraft Crash Near Tell City, Indiana (N121US)

Tell City, United States of AmericaFlight

On March 17, 1960, a Lockheed L-188 Electra (registration N121US) operated by Northwest Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Tell City, United States of America in flight. 63 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the separation of the right wing in flight due to flutter induced by oscillations of the outboard nacelles. 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 report: the U.S. Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) accident report collection at the National Transportation LibraryUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft crashed in a snow-covered field east of Tell City, Indiana, after entering a dive at 18,000 feet. All 63 occupants were killed. The probable cause was right wing separation due to flutter.

Flight Details and Accident Sequence A four-engine aircraft departed Chicago-Midway at 1438 local time, bound for Miami. The flight carried 57 passengers and a crew of six. While cruising at 18,000 feet over southern Indiana, the aircraft entered a dive and crashed in a large explosion in a snow-covered field east of Tell City. Debris was also found in a nearby wooded area. The aircraft disintegrated on impact, and all 63 occupants were killed. The crew was unable to send a distress call before the accident. ## Probable Cause The official investigation determined that the probable cause was the separation of the right wing in flight due to flutter induced by oscillations of the outboard nacelles. Contributing factors included reduced structural stiffness and the aircraft's entry into an area of severe clear air turbulence.

Structural failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Mar 1960 Lockheed L-188 Electra accident near Tell City, United States of America?

A four-engine aircraft crashed in a snow-covered field east of Tell City, Indiana, after entering a dive at 18,000 feet. All 63 occupants were killed. The probable cause was right wing separation due to flutter.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Mar 1960 Lockheed L-188 Electra accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 63 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Mar 1960 involved a Lockheed L-188 Electra, registration N121US, operated by Northwest Airlines, at Tell City, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the separation of the right wing in flight due to flutter induced by oscillations of the outboard nacelles. Contributing factors were a reduced stiffness of the structure and the entry of the aircraft into an area of severe clear air turbulence.

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