Douglas C-124 Globemaster II crash, May 24, 1961 (18 killed)
Douglas C-124 Globemaster II accident on May 24, 1961 near McChord AFB Washington, United States with 18 fatalities. Cause: Ruptured fuel line causing...
- Date: May 24, 1961
- Aircraft: Douglas C-124 Globemaster II
- Location: McChord AFB Washington, United States
- Fatalities: 18
- Phase of flight: Takeoff and climb
- Cause: Ruptured fuel line causing engine failure during takeoff, as attributed by the Air Force Board of Investigation and reported by HistoryLink
A United States Air Force Douglas C 124A Globemaster II lost power in an engine and caught fire at about 500 feet shortly after a night takeoff from McChord Air Force Base on 24 May 1961. It hit trees two miles south of the runway and exploded, killing 18 of the 22 people on board. The investigation board concluded a ruptured fuel line most likely caused the engine failure.