Incident Overview
Date: Wednesday 9 January 2002
Aircraft Type: Lockheed KC-130R Hercules
Owner/operator: United States Marine Corps
Registration Number: 160021
Location: near Shamsi –
ÿ Pakistan
Phase of Flight: Approach
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 7 / Occupants: 7
Component Affected: KC-130R Hercules transport planeKC-130R Hercules transport plane
Category: Accident
A USMC Lockheed KC-130R Hercules transport plane crashed near Shamsi, Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of all seven crew members. The aircraft was attempting a non-standard night landing approach, requesting a northeast direction, which was denied due to USMC aircraft restrictions limiting landings to the southwest. The plane circled over a ridge, descending to 3200 feet, and struck a mountainside at 3800 feet. The crew’s disorientation likely contributed to the incident.A USMC Lockheed KC-130R Hercules transport plane crashed near Shamsi, Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of all seven crew members. The aircraft was attempting a non-standard night landing approach, requesting a northeast direction, which was denied due to USMC aircraft restrictions limiting landings to the southwest. The plane circled over a ridge, descending to 3200 feet, and struck a mountainside at 3800 feet. The crew’s disorientation likely contributed to the incident.
Description
A USMC Lockheed KC-130R Hercules transport plane was destroyed in an accident near Shamsi, Pakistan. All seven crew members were killed. The crew had requested a non-standard approach night time from the northeast, possibly because they were running half an hour late. This request was denied as USMC aircraft were only allowed to land from the southwest to avoid overflying Shamsi at night. The crew then circled over a ridge with their altitude dropping to 3200 feet below the minimum safe altitude. The airplane struck a mountainside at 3800 feet. The crew likely became disoriented while attempting the night landing. The aircraft was attached to VMGR-352, MCAS Miramar, California.
Primary Cause
Denial of a non-standard night landing approach by USMC aircraft, leading to a risky approach and potential disorientation.Denial of a non-standard night landing approach by USMC aircraft, leading to a risky approach and potential disorientation.Share on:
