Narrative:
The R6D-1, a Navy derivative of the DC-6, was flying Air Force, Army and Navy personnel from Tokyo to Fairfield-Travis AFB, CA. An intermediate stop was made at Honolulu-Hickam AFB, HI (HIK). After takeoff from Hickam AFB, the airplane suffered radio problems and the crew decided to return to the air base.
A navigational error caused the plane strayed off course towards the Waianae Range. The airplane flew into a mountain peak, eight miles north of its intended position.
| Status: | |
| Date: | Tuesday 22 March 1955 |
| Time: | 02:03 |
| Type: |  Douglas R6D-1 (DC-6) |
| Operator: | United States Navy |
| Registration: | 131612 |
| MSN: | 43715/362 |
| First flight: | 1953 |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 9 / Occupants: 9 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 57 / Occupants: 57 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 66 / Occupants: 66 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed |
| Aircraft fate: | Written off (damaged beyond repair) |
| Location: | 24 km (15 mls) NW of Honolulu, HI ( United States of America)
|
| Phase: | Approach (APR) |
| Nature: | Military |
| Departure airport: | Honolulu-Hickam AFB, HI (HIK), United States of America |
| Fairfield-Travis AFB, CA (SUU/KSUU), United States of America |
The R6D-1, a Navy derivative of the DC-6, was flying Air Force, Army and Navy personnel from Tokyo to Fairfield-Travis AFB, CA. An intermediate stop was made at Honolulu-Hickam AFB, HI (HIK). After takeoff from Hickam AFB, the airplane suffered radio problems and the crew decided to return to the air base.
A navigational error caused the plane strayed off course towards the Waianae Range. The airplane flew into a mountain peak, eight miles north of its intended position.
Classification:
Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) - Mountain
Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Honolulu-Hickam AFB, HI to Fairfield-Travis AFB, CA as the crow flies is 3893 km (2433 miles).
Accident location: Approximate; accuracy within a few kilometers.
Distance from Honolulu-Hickam AFB, HI to Fairfield-Travis AFB, CA as the crow flies is 3893 km (2433 miles).
Accident location: Approximate; accuracy within a few kilometers.
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
languages: 
United States of America
Share
Douglas DC-6
- 704 built
- 24th loss
- 18th fatal accident
- The worst accident (at the time)
- 9th worst accident (currently)
United States of America- 2nd worst accident (at the time)
- 43rd worst accident (currently)
The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:
| ASN Home | Send Correction / Feedback |
| FSF Home | Disclaimer | Copyright |
| Contact Us | Privacy Policy |
| Press / Media |
CONNECT WITH US:
©2023 Flight Safety Foundation