Fatal training accident involving rocket ignition near NAS Brunswick

1 fatality • Brunswick, United States of America • Flight

A training mission out of NAS Brunswick resulted in a fatal aircraft loss after an onboard rocket ignited a wing during flight.

What happened

During a routine local training mission departing from NAS Brunswick, an incident occurred involving the ignition of a wing. While the aircraft was in flight, a rocket failed to separate properly after firing, remaining attached to the airframe and subsequently causing a fire on the wing structure.

In response to the developing emergency, the captain performed a ditching maneuver to bring the aircraft down. The impact resulted in one fatality among the crew members, while the remaining nine survivors were successfully rescued from the scene.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was the rocket ignition in flight, which led to the subsequent fire and loss of the aircraft.

Probable cause

The failure of a rocket to separate after firing caused it to ignite the aircraft wing during flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1965-12-10 Lockheed P-2 Neptune accident near Brunswick, United States of America?

A training mission out of NAS Brunswick resulted in a fatal aircraft loss after an onboard rocket ignited a wing during flight.

Were there any fatalities in the 1965-12-10 Lockheed P-2 Neptune accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1965-12-10 involved a Lockheed P-2 Neptune, registration 147960, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Brunswick, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of a rocket to separate after firing caused it to ignite the aircraft wing during flight.

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