Incident Overview
Date: Sunday 15 March 1981
Aircraft Type: Boeing RC-135S Cobra Ball II
Owner/operator: United States Air Force – USAF
Registration Number: 61-2664
Location: Shemya AFB, AK (SYA) –
ÿ United States of America
Phase of Flight: Approach
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 6 / Occupants: 24
Component Affected: Aircraft structure (fuselage, wings, tail)Aircraft structure (fuselage, wings, tail)
Category: Accident
A small aircraft struck the ground during a nighttime final approach in severe turbulence, fog, and snow conditions. The impact caused significant damage to the aircraft.A small aircraft struck the ground during a nighttime final approach in severe turbulence, fog, and snow conditions. The impact caused significant damage to the aircraft.
Description
Struck the ground at night while on final approach in marginal conditions (turbulence fog, blowing snow, and sleet).
Primary Cause
Severe turbulence and icing conditions combined with the aircraft?s limited visibility and control during final approach.Severe turbulence and icing conditions combined with the aircraft?s limited visibility and control during final approach.Share on:
