Military Aircraft Crash Off Tabones Islands (64-0564)

Incident Overview and Casualties A military aircraft departed Cubi Point NAS at 0428LT for an exercise over the South China Sea under the call sign Stray 59. The aircraft was carrying members of the USAF and military personnel from Australia, the Philippines, and New Zealand. At 0525LT, while cruising at very low height, the airplane apparently hit the water and crashed off the Tabones Islands. One crew member was rescued, while 23 other occupants were killed. ## Official Findings The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty according to the official investigation findings.