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.