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The Crash of the C-124 near Travis AFB, CA |
| Douglas C-124A Globemaster II,USAF Serial no. 51-0114 |
En route to Tachikawa, Japan, via Honolulu, the aircraft had just been returned to the Air Force after a major overhaul at the Douglas Aircraft plant in Long Beach, Calif. Carrying over 20,000 pounds in cargo bound for the Orient, the aircraft was observed climbing to 1000 feet, when the port wing suddenly dipped, and the aircraft fell into a steep turn, hitting the ground about a half mile from the end of the runway, north of Highway 12. Two of the officers and all four of the enlisted crew of the plane survived the initial impact of the crash. However, all but two of the enlisted quickly succumbed to injuries and burns.
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We are currently searching for photos of the crash site taken during the investigation. If you have any - please contact us. | |
According to the US Air Force Accident Report NarrativeAttempts to obtain a copy of the official mishap report have so far proven fruitless. However, we have not given up hope. | |
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Today, the site is sparsely scattered with few remains of the aircraft. The site lies is a field that has been graded since the crash. It is thought that much of the aircraft remains (that when not removed in 1958) are buried as a result of this. | |
However, a close inspect of the ground's surface reveals hidden pieces. A piece of aluminum slag hints of a post-crash fire of the wreck. | |
Large specimens can be found further in the debris field near Travis AFB. | |
A near-perfect match | |
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