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Cubi Point NAS Takeoff Accident: Engine Failure and Ditching (152151)

Subic Bay, Olongapo (Cubi Point NAS), PhilippinesTakeoff (climb)

On December 5, 1971, a Lockheed P-3 Orion (registration 152151) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Subic Bay, Olongapo (Cubi Point NAS), Philippines during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airplane's water-alcohol injection system was accidentally serviced with water and cleaning solvent by the ground crew. This caused the turbine inlet temperature to increase immediately after liftoff. 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

An aircraft ditched into the sea shortly after takeoff from Cubi Point NAS after both engines exploded. Fifteen occupants were rescued, and one was killed.

Incident Overview and Immediate Aftermath An aircraft experienced a catastrophic failure shortly after takeoff from Cubi Point NAS. During the initial climb, both engines, identified as number 2 and number 3, exploded. The incident resulted in the failure of both the electric and hydraulic systems. Due to these critical system failures, the captain elected to ditch the airplane, which subsequently crashed into the sea a few dozen yards offshore. Rescue operations were conducted, and fifteen occupants were successfully rescued. However, one occupant, identified as Ensign Ed Cooper, was killed in the accident.

Probable cause

The airplane's water-alcohol injection system was accidentally serviced with water and cleaning solvent by the ground crew. This caused the turbine inlet temperature to increase immediately after liftoff.
Engine failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Dec 1971 Lockheed P-3 Orion accident near Subic Bay, Olongapo (Cubi Point NAS), Philippines?

An aircraft ditched into the sea shortly after takeoff from Cubi Point NAS after both engines exploded. Fifteen occupants were rescued, and one was killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Dec 1971 Lockheed P-3 Orion accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Dec 1971 involved a Lockheed P-3 Orion, registration 152151, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Subic Bay, Olongapo (Cubi Point NAS), Philippines.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The airplane's water-alcohol injection system was accidentally serviced with water and cleaning solvent by the ground crew. This caused the turbine inlet temperature to increase immediately after liftoff.

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