5 fatalities

1978-10-26: Lockheed P-3 Orion (159892) — United States Navy - USN — Pacific Ocean, World

Pacific Ocean, WorldFlight

On October 26, 1978, a Lockheed P-3 Orion (registration 159892) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Pacific Ocean, World in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure and fire of the engine n°1 for undetermined reasons. 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)Primary reportUpdated 1781225979Data APIEditorial standards

A maritime patrol aircraft operating as Alfa Fox 586 ditched about 370 km south of Attu Island after engine No.1 caught fire. Five occupants died; ten were rescued by a Soviet trawler.

Incident

A crew departed Adak Airport on a maritime patrol flight over the north Pacific Ocean under the callsign 'Alfa Fox 586'. During the flight, engine No.1 oversped, and the crew was unable to feather its propeller. A lack of oil caused the engine to catch fire. The crew decided to ditch the aircraft approximately 370 kilometers south of Attu Island.

Rescue and Casualties

Five occupants were killed in the accident. The remaining ten occupants were rescued by the crew of a Soviet trawler.

Investigation

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a failure and fire of engine No.1 for undetermined reasons.