What happened
During a local training mission conducted at RAF Burtonwood, a Neptune aircraft lost control immediately following its touchdown on the runway. As the plane veered off the active runway, it struck a stationary USAF C-47, registration 42-100912, which was positioned on the airfield awaiting takeoff clearance. The C-47 was occupied by a crew of ten individuals at the time of the impact.
The collision resulted in the total destruction of both aircraft. The Neptune sustained one fatality and 11 injuries among its occupants. The C-47 experienced a higher loss of life, with six fatalities and four injuries reported from its crew members.
Findings
Investigations into the accident highlighted that the collision occurred during a period of limited visibility caused by adverse weather conditions present at the airfield.