Narrative:
The C-135 aircraft was on a MATS flight from Fairfield-Travis AFB, CA (SUU) to Clark Air Base in the Philippines via Honolulu-Hickam AFB, HI (HIK). Thunderstorms were in the area as the flight approached Clark AB. An indefinite ceiling was at 300 feet and visibility was 2000 m. The crew carried out a PAR approach to runway 02. The aircraft descended below the glidepath and the crew were urged to initiate go around as the C-135 had descended below the PAR lower safety limit. By then the co-pilot had the runway in sight and the approach was continued. On finals, the undercarriage struck the perimeter fence. The airplane struck a TACAN facility , hit the ground and slid across a road, striking a cab and killing the driver. The airplane broke up and caught fire.
» Military aviation disasters : significant losses since 1908 / D. Gero, 1999
| Status: | |
| Date: | Monday 11 May 1964 |
| Time: | 19:20 |
| Type: |  Boeing C-135B Stratolifter |
| Operator: | United States Air Force - USAF |
| Registration: | 61-0332 |
| MSN: | 18239/C17 |
| First flight: | 1962-02-02 (2 years 3 months) |
| Engines: | 4 Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-5 |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 5 / Occupants: 10 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 74 / Occupants: 74 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 79 / Occupants: 84 |
| Ground casualties: | Fatalities: 1 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed |
| Aircraft fate: | Written off (damaged beyond repair) |
| Location: | Angeles City-Clark Air Base (CRK) ( Philippines)
|
| Crash site elevation: | 148 m (486 feet) amsl |
| Phase: | Approach (APR) |
| Nature: | Military |
| Departure airport: | Honolulu-Hickam AFB, HI (HIK), United States of America |
| Angeles City-Clark Air Base (CRK/RPMK), Philippines |
The C-135 aircraft was on a MATS flight from Fairfield-Travis AFB, CA (SUU) to Clark Air Base in the Philippines via Honolulu-Hickam AFB, HI (HIK). Thunderstorms were in the area as the flight approached Clark AB. An indefinite ceiling was at 300 feet and visibility was 2000 m. The crew carried out a PAR approach to runway 02. The aircraft descended below the glidepath and the crew were urged to initiate go around as the C-135 had descended below the PAR lower safety limit. By then the co-pilot had the runway in sight and the approach was continued. On finals, the undercarriage struck the perimeter fence. The airplane struck a TACAN facility , hit the ground and slid across a road, striking a cab and killing the driver. The airplane broke up and caught fire.
Classification:
Undershoot/overshoot
Sources:
» U.S. Plane Crashes Near Manila, 71 Of 83 Are Dead (The Sheboygan Press Monday, May 11, 1964)» Military aviation disasters : significant losses since 1908 / D. Gero, 1999
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 Angeles City-Clark Air Base as the crow flies is 8492 km (5308 miles).
Distance from Honolulu-Hickam AFB, HI to Angeles City-Clark Air Base as the crow flies is 8492 km (5308 miles).
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: 
Philippines
Share
Boeing C-135
- 820 built
- 20th loss
- 15th fatal accident
- The worst accident (at the time)
- 2nd worst accident (currently)
Philippines- The worst accident (at the time)
- 3rd 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