7 fatalities

Aircraft crash during maritime exercise near Kauai (124899)

Kauai Island, United States of AmericaFlight

On December 7, 1955, a Lockheed P-2 Neptune (registration 124899) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Kauai Island, United States of America in flight. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft experienced a loss of control during a low-altitude training maneuver. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into the Pacific Ocean during a joint training operation with a submarine, resulting in seven fatalities.

What happened

During a coordinated training mission involving a submarine, an aircraft experienced a total loss of control while flying at a low altitude. The incident occurred in the waters situated to the west of Kauai Island. Following the loss of control, the plane impacted the ocean surface.

Search and rescue operations following the impact were able to locate and recover three crew members. However, the accident resulted in the deaths of seven other individuals on board.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating as part of a combined maritime and aerial exercise.
  • The loss of control occurred while the aircraft was at a low altitude.
  • The crash took place in the ocean west of Kauai.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a loss of control during a low-altitude training maneuver.