Nichols AFB (Manila)

The airplane was completing a special flight from Laoag to Nichols AFB (Manila Intl Airport) on behalf of the Philippines Presidency, carrying soldiers, policemen, journalists and members of the government security agency flying back to Manila after taking part to the celebrations of the 61st anniversary of the President Ferdinand Marcos. On final approach to runway 06 in poor weather conditions, the airplane lost height, struck 10 houses and crashed in a swampy area located few hundred meters short of runway threshold. Seven occupants in the airplane were rescued while 21 others were killed as well as 12 people on the ground. 20 other people on the ground were seriously injured.

Shortly after takeoff from Basa AFB (north of Floridablanca), while climbing to a height of 200 feet, the left engine failed. The aircraft banked left, stalled and crashed 800 meters past the runway end. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all 40 occupants were killed, among them 10 officers and 26 family members.

Crashed on landing. There were no casualties.

Crashed on takeoff. No casualties.

The crew was performing a flight from Naha, Okinawa, no the airbase of Nichols, in the suburb of Manila. Enroute, while flying away from a cyclone in marginal weather conditions, the four engine aircraft christened 'Liquidator' hit the slope of a mountain located in the Seaboard Mountain Range, northeast of Taitung, Taiwan. All 25 occupants, among them PoW recently released by the Japanese troops, were killed.

Lost without trace while conducting a troop transfer from Tacloban to Nichols AFB. The aircraft may have crash into sea somewhere in The Philippines. No trace was ever found.
Crew:
Pfc Manuel S. Alderette,
Cpl John C. Backius,
Pfc Joseph M. Barone,
Cwo George W. Bloomer,
Sgt William B. Campbell,
Tec Paul P. Dunlap,
Pvt James B. Ellis,
Sgt Kingdon G. Ford,
S/Sgt Paul A. Gallick,
Pfc Thomas E . Gehringer,
F/O Robert E. Gennette,
Cpl Richard A. Gess,
Pfc Ernest Huber,
Cpl Broadus F. James,
Tec Edward M. Kelly,
Tec Noel N. Knox,
Pfc Lester M. Kranz,
Pvt Joseph S. Markulis,
Pfc Leo W. Matson,
S/Sgt Robert H. Meyers,
Tec Milton E. Miles,
S/Sgt Carlton K. Nipher,
Pfc Joseph F. Peragine,
Sgt Melvin R. Robinson,
Pfc Grant C. Ruchti,
Cpl Doyle L. Simmons,
Tec Lloyd E. Smith.

The aircraft left Puerto Princesa bound for Nichols AFB near Manila with mail and freight on board. At that time, weather conditions were poor with heavy rain falls, low visibility, low clouds and wind up to 20 knots. One hour and twenty minutes after departure, the crew informed ground about his ETA in Nichols, and this was the last radio contact. Later, the aircraft hit the slope of a mountain located in the northwest part of Mindoro Island. The wreckage was found few days later and all eight occupants have been killed.
Crew:
S/Sgt Robert E. Beasley,
1st Lt Dean W. Gordon,
Sgt Casimir J. Kaplan,
2nd Lt Leslie H. Latham,
2nd Lt Harvey E. Meitner,
2nd Lt Edward L. Seebon,
Cpl Don C. Tang,
T/Sgt Paul J. Tyler.

While approaching Manila at an altitude between 500 and 1,000 feet, the aircraft was shot down by Japanese antiaircraft fire. A wing broke, the aircraft dove into the ground and crashed near the Nichols AFB, killing all 10 occupants. The pilot may have entered the battle zone on purpose as he made remarks on the day of the accident that he wanted to take photos of the battle scene.
Crew:
Cpl Max L. Greene,
T/Sgt Herschel H. Hickman,
F/O David G. Jolly,
2nd Lt John K. Myers.
Source:
http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19450210-4

The airplane crashed upon landing at Nichols AFB following an engine failure. Crew fate unknown.

Crashed in unknown circumstances.