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Aircraft Destroyed by Fire After Wing Strike During Takeoff Roll (148318)

McMurdo Sound, AntarcticaTakeoff (climb)

On February 15, 1971, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 148318) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near McMurdo Sound, Antarctica during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a takeoff roll, the left wing struck a snow bank, causing the right wing to hit the ground and break. The aircraft caught fire but the crew stopped it and evacuated safely with no injuries.

Incident Overview and Sequence of Events During the takeoff roll, the left wing of the aircraft made contact with a snow bank. This initial impact caused the aircraft to roll from side to side, which resulted in the right wing striking the ground. The force of the impact caused the right wing to break in two between both engines. Following the structural failure, the aircraft caught fire. ## Crew Response and Outcome The crew was able to stop the airplane and evacuate the aircraft. There were no injuries reported as a result of the incident. The aircraft was destroyed by the fire and the impact.

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Feb 1971 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near McMurdo Sound, Antarctica?

During a takeoff roll, the left wing struck a snow bank, causing the right wing to hit the ground and break. The aircraft caught fire but the crew stopped it and evacuated safely with no injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Feb 1971 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Feb 1971 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 148318, operated by United States Navy - USN, at McMurdo Sound, Antarctica.

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