Accident Details
The aircraft departed Kadena Air Force Base for a night patrol flight over the Pacific Ocean. While cruising at low height in a flat attitude approximately 320 kilometers east of Okinawa, the aircraft struck the water surface, crashed, and broke into three pieces. Wreckage sank to a depth of 1,600 meters.
Casualties
Four crew members were found alive, while eight others were killed.
Probable Cause
The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, it is believed the accident may have been caused by an accidental disconnection of the automatic pilot system.