Accident Overview
At liftoff, during the initial climb, the airplane went out of control and crashed in flames. The control tower observed a fire on the aircraft prior to takeoff and attempted to warn the pilot. However, the airplane had already left the ground around the time of the warning, and it was too late to prevent the accident.
Crew and Occupants
The following crew members were on board (designation VAH123):
- Lt William F. Wade, pilot
- Lt Eldwin J. Bruner, copilot
- Lt Hilton L. Cutter Jr.
- Ens Carl D. Johnson
- Ens Vernon L. Garner
- A2c John D. McMillan
- Ocm Joseph E. Foltz
- A3c Harry A. Hartwell
- Asm George F. Robertson
- At2 Gerlando P. Ilardi
One crew member was seriously injured, and nine other occupants were killed.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the accident, as determined by the investigation, was a hydraulic line fluid rupture that caused the fire.