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10 fatalities

Fatal crash of training aircraft near NAS Barbers Point (128418)

Barbers Point NAS, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 23, 1957, a Lockheed P-2 Neptune (registration 128418) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Barbers Point NAS, United States of America during landing or approach. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost altitude during the final approach and struck the water short of the runway. 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 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

A training flight departing from NAS Barbers Point ended in a fatal accident when the aircraft crashed into the ocean during its final approach.

What happened

During a routine local training mission operating out of NAS Barbers Point, an aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude while maneuvering for landing. As the crew was performing the final approach to the runway, the plane descended unexpectedly and impacted the ocean surface. The crash occurred approximately 1.1 miles short of the runway threshold.

There were no survivors of the impact. The accident resulted in ten fatalities among the crew members on board. The aircraft was completely destroyed during the event.

Findings

  • The aircraft was engaged in a local training sortie at the time of the accident.
  • The descent occurred during the final approach phase of flight.
  • The impact took place in the sea, roughly 1.1 miles from the landing strip.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost altitude during the final approach and struck the water short of the runway.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Jul 1957 Lockheed P-2 Neptune accident near Barbers Point NAS, United States of America?

A training flight departing from NAS Barbers Point ended in a fatal accident when the aircraft crashed into the ocean during its final approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jul 1957 Lockheed P-2 Neptune accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Jul 1957 involved a Lockheed P-2 Neptune, registration 128418, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Barbers Point NAS, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft lost altitude during the final approach and struck the water short of the runway.

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