Zone
California

Crash of a Cessna 208A Caravan I near Travis AFB: 1 killed

Date & Time: Oct 23, 1987 at 0423 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 208A Caravan
Operator:
Registration:
N828FE
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Postal (mail)
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Oakland - Reno
MSN:
208-0073
YOM:
1985
Location:
Travis AFB
California
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
10495
Captain / Total hours on type:
642.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1721
Circumstances:
While cruising on a scheduled cargo flight in IMC the pilot encountered moderate to severe turbulence near an area where weather cells could have been observed on the aircraft's radar. The pilot reversed course, declared an emergency and lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent, collided with terrain and was destroyed. The recently hired pilot had completed the FAA approved ground and flight training program in the aircraft. During the pilot's recent training, neither the FAA nor the operator required the pilot to demonstrate proficiency in unusual attitude recoveries or have knowledge in the operation of the aircraft's weather radar. Company employees, which included the pilot's husband, stated that the pilot had no previous experience with weather radar and did not understand the weather radar installed in this aircraft. They further stated that the pilot appeared to be tired. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
Pilot's encounter with severe turbulence which precipitated a loss of Aircraft control.
Findings
Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
1. Light condition - dark night
2. (f) weather condition - turbulence in clouds
3. (f) weather radar - not understood - pilot in command
4. (f) inadequate initial training - company/operator management
5. (f) inadequate initial training - faa (principal operations inspector)
6. (c) flight into known adverse weather - continued - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
Findings
7. (c) spiral - uncontrolled - pilot in command
8. (f) spatial disorientation - pilot in command
9. (f) fatigue (lack of sleep) - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Lockheed L-382G-31C Hercules at Travis AFB: 5 killed

Date & Time: Apr 8, 1987 at 1732 LT
Type of aircraft:
Lockheed C-130 Hercules
Operator:
Registration:
N517SJ
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Training
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Travis AFB - Travis AFB
MSN:
4558
YOM:
1974
Flight number:
SJ517
Location:
Travis AFB
California
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
5
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
8600
Captain / Total hours on type:
8000.00
Aircraft flight hours:
17027
Circumstances:
The Hercules aircraft took off from Travis AFB at 14:45 for the second of a series of local training flights. Approaches and practice landings were carried out at McClellan AFB before returning to Travis. A runway 21L ILS approach and full stop landing were to be made by a 1st officer candidate. A balked landing forced the captain to take over the controls and initiate a go-around. The no. 1 and no. 2 engines both decelerated when throttles were advanced. The aircraft then banked left and struck the airport perimeter fence in a nose-low and steep left-wing low attitude.
Probable cause:
Inadequate Southern Air Transport engine maintenance which allowed the accumulation of oil residues in the engine compressor sections until two engines were incapable of responding to rapid demands for increased power. Contributing to the accident was the continuation of the go-around by the captain after power had been lost from two engines and the movement of the flap handle to the flaps retracted position during the go-around.
Final Report:

Crash of a Lockheed C-141B Starlifter at Travis AFB

Date & Time: Oct 15, 1986
Type of aircraft:
Lockheed C-141 Starlifter
Operator:
Registration:
65-0246
Flight Phase:
Taxiing
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
MSN:
300-6097
YOM:
1965
Location:
Travis AFB
California
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
0
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Aircraft flight hours:
28675
Circumstances:
On approach to Travis AFB, the crew was advised of a bomb threat at the passenger terminal. In night-time conditions, he had to park the aircraft which was normally reserved for tow-in parking. The captain complained about this to the marshaller, but he was told to taxi the aircraft to the parking spot. Wingwalkers were present by each wing. While completing a sharp turn to the right, the left wing struck a light pole, rupturing the n°1 fuel tank. Fuel leaked down the light pole and ignited after contacting a high voltage junction box located at the base of the pole. An intensive fire erupted, destroyed the left part of the aircraft. All occupants evacuated safely and were unhurt.

Crash of a Douglas DC-8-63CF on Mt Dutton: 6 killed

Date & Time: Sep 8, 1973 at 0542 LT
Type of aircraft:
Douglas DC-8
Operator:
Registration:
N802WA
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
No
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
Travis - Cold Bay - Yokota - Clark
MSN:
46146/536
YOM:
1970
Flight number:
WO802
Location:
Mt Dutton
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Captain / Total flying hours:
22913
Captain / Total hours on type:
1969.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
4984
Copilot / Total hours on type:
457
Aircraft flight hours:
10077
Circumstances:
On behalf of the USAF, the four engine airplane departed Travis AFB on a cargo flight to Clark AFB, Philippines, with intermediate stops in Cold Bay and Yokota AFB. While approaching Cold Bay by night at an altitude of 3,500 feet, the crew encountered marginal weather conditions when the airplane struck the slope of Mt Dutton (4,941 feet high) located 18 miles east of Cold Bay Airport. At impact, the aircraft's speed was 185 knots and it was heading 275°. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all six occupants were killed. At the time of the accident, the airplane was off course by 12°.
Probable cause:
The captain's deviation from approved instrument approach procedures. As a result of the deviation the flight descended into an area of unreliable navigation signals and obstructing terrain.
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas C-133B-DL Cargomaster near Palisade: 5 killed

Date & Time: Feb 6, 1970 at 0215 LT
Type of aircraft:
Douglas C-133 Cargomaster
Operator:
Registration:
59-0530
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Travis - Harrisburg
MSN:
45581
YOM:
1959
Location:
Palisade
Nebraska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
5
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Circumstances:
While flying over Nebraska by night at an altitude of 23,000 feet on a flight from Travis AFB to Harrisburg, PA, the aircraft suffered an explosion. It entered a dive and crashed in flames in a field located 5 miles northeast of Palisade. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all five crew members were killed.
Crew:
Maj Harold W. Tabor, pilot,
1st Lt Duane D. Burdette, copilot,
S/Sgt Ira E. Bowers, loadmaster,
M/Sgt Joseph P. Tierney, flight engineer,
T/Sgt James J. Clouse, flight engineer.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the explosion of the airplane was the consequence of the presence of a 11 inches crack located above the left side door that broke away in flight, causing an explosive decompression of the cabin. In such conditions, the crew was unable to maintain control of the airplane.

Crash of a Douglas C-133B-DL Cargomaster at Travis AFB: 9 killed

Date & Time: Apr 10, 1963 at 1612 LT
Type of aircraft:
Douglas C-133 Cargomaster
Operator:
Registration:
59-0523
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Training
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Travis - Travis
MSN:
45574
YOM:
1959
Location:
Travis AFB
California
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
9
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
9
Circumstances:
The crew was completing a local training flight at Travis AFB. After few circuits, the pilot-in-command started a new approach to runway 21L in poor weather conditions when control was lost. The airplane crashed in a huge explosion 0,8 mile short of runway threshold and was destroyed. All nine crew members were killed.

Crash of a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor at Travis AFB: 7 killed

Date & Time: Oct 18, 1961
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor
Operator:
Golden Gate Airways
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Travis – San Francisco
Location:
Travis AFB
California
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft was performing a flight from Travis AFB to San Francisco, carrying a crew of two and five passengers, among them four US Army Officers who should be transferred to San Francisco. Shortly after takeoff, while in initial climb, the airplane banked left, stalled and crashed in flames. All seven occupants were killed.

Crash of a Douglas C-124A-DL Globemaster II at Travis AFB: 6 killed

Date & Time: Jun 3, 1958
Type of aircraft:
Douglas C-124 Globemaster II
Operator:
Registration:
51-0114
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Positioning
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Travis – Hickam – Tachikawa
MSN:
43448
YOM:
1951
Location:
Travis AFB
California
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
8
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Travis AFB, while climbing to a height of 3,000 feet, the aircraft banked left, dove into the ground and crashed in a huge explosion. Six crew members were killed while two others were seriously injured. The airplane was returning to Tachikawa, Japan, after a major overhaul at the Douglas Aircraft plant in Long Beach.
Crew:
Maj Henderson Cagle, †
Cpt Robert E. Rogers, †
1st Lt Curtis A. Guild, †
2nd Lt Robert Distefano, †
T/Sgt Carroll D. Coziah, †
S/Sgt Raymond L. Hart, †
S/Sgt Ivan J. Wiebold,
A2c Charles R. Vance.

Crash of a Douglas C-124C Globemaster II at Travis AFB: 3 killed

Date & Time: Apr 7, 1956
Type of aircraft:
Douglas C-124 Globemaster II
Operator:
Registration:
52-1078
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Test
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Travis - Travis
MSN:
43987
YOM:
1952
Location:
Travis AFB
California
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
7
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Circumstances:
The crew was conducting a post-maintenance test flight. Shortly after takeoff from Travis AFB, while climbing to a height of 100 feet, the aircraft banked left, stalled and crashed in flames. Three crew members were killed while four others were injured. The aircraft was destroyed.
Crew:
1st Lt James Lyman Hayter,
2nd Lt Richard C. Nelson,
2nd Lt Garth L. Tingey,
M/Sgt Russell M. Hobart,
M/Sgt Harold E. Roache, †
M/Sgt Arthur G. Bird, †
S/Sgt Amos H. Kolb. †
Probable cause:
Ailerons and elevators control cables have been changed by mechanics based at Travis AFB and the crew was engaged in a post-maintenance check flight. It is believed that control was lost during initial climb because these cables were incorrectly installed, not adhering to the manufacturer procedures.

Crash of a Douglas R6D-1 on Mt Waianae: 66 killed

Date & Time: Mar 22, 1955 at 0203 LT
Type of aircraft:
Douglas DC-6
Operator:
Registration:
131612
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
No
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
Tokyo – Hickam – Travis
MSN:
43715
YOM:
1953
Location:
Mt Waianae
Hawaii
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
6
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
60
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
66
Circumstances:
The four engine aircraft was completing a personnel transfer flight from Tokyo to Travis AFB, California, with an intermediate stop at Hickam AFB, Honolulu. Few minutes after his departure from Hickam Field, the pilot informed ground he encountered technical issues with the high frequency transmission system and elected to return for a safe landing. Approaching by night from the northwest, the aircraft hit the slope of Mt Waianae located about 18 miles from the airfield. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all 66 occupants were killed.
Crew:
Lt Cdr Harold M. Oleary, pilot,
Lt Cdr Mark M. Teague, copilot,
Lt Lee A. Thoroux, navigator,
Ad1 Charles L. Osborne,
At3 Charles M. Preston,
An James B. Quinn Jr.
Passengers:
US Air Force Personnel:
T/Sgt Albert E. Dawsey
T/Sgt John T. Powell,
T/Sgt Roland B. Wilhelm,
S/Sgt Samuel J. Alvarado,
S/Sgt William F. Britt,
S/Sgt Carlyle J. Hummel,
S/Sgt Eugene L. Lofton,
S/Sgt Thaddeus F. Shyda,
A1c Willie G. Harrell,
A1c Milton O. Matthews,
A1c Aubrey G. Morgan,
A1c Earl G. Sisson,
A1c Alvin Alxander,
A2c John D. Anthony,
A2c David L. Boyle,
A2c Stanley B. Horton,
A3c Daniel K. Eaton.
US Army:
Cpl Donald B. Anderson,
Pfc Paul B. Bayer,
Cpl Dean C. Bullen,
Pvt Robert E. Delhager,
Sgt Raymond L. Smith,
Sgt Robert L. Thompson,
Sgt Rexie L. Dewesse,
Sgt Larry P. Dieuolo,
Pfc Robert G. Duncan,
Cpl Edward J. Halvey Jr.,
Cpl William B. Hendon,
Pfc Robert E. Hill,
Cpl Kenneth G. Hoffman,
Cpl David A. Horne,
Pvt Charles J. Combs,
Sgt Warren R. Huler,
Pfc John R. Irwin Jr.,
Pvt Charles M. Johnson,
Pfc Bernard J. Kuras,
Pvt Louis F. Montanez,
Pvt John R. Panetti,
Sgt James L. White.
US Marine Corps:
M/Sgt Frederick L. Williamson,
M/Sgt Eugene E. Bennett,
Cpl Richard C. Harrison,
Lt Col C. G. Edwards,
M/Sgt Gordon B. Murray,
S/Sgt Morgan L. Ogden,
Cpl Walter W. Chase,
Cpl Dale L. Lake,
Cpl Michael J. Meszaros,
Cpl Almeron Freeman,
Cpl Cecil A. Brittain,
Cpl Richard R. Brooks.
US Navy:
An Charles Wayne Enloe,
Na William Richard Rimer,
Sa Gerald Joseph Robichaux,
Ae3 Alfred Dewey Schroeder,
Charles Edward Sheehan,
Te1 Nathan Webb,
Mrs. Rita Laverne Webb and her daughter,
Gerald Dean White.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the aircraft was off course about 8 miles at the time of the accident, apparently due to a navigation error on part of the flying crew who failed to adhere to the approach procedures. Low visibility caused by night, clouds and rain falls was considered as a contributing factor.
Subscribe to Travis AFB