1952 — Nov 17, USAF C-119 “Flying Boxcar” engine loss/crash, field near Billings, MT– 8

–9 NFPA. “Worst Aircraft Fires of ’52 – North America.” Quarterly, 46/3, Jan 1953, p. 239.
–8 AP. “Flying Boxcar Crashes Death Toll Hits 91.” Denton Record-Chronicle, TX, 11-18-1952, p1.
–8 Assoc. Press. “Propeller Tip May Be Key.” The Inter Lake, Kalispell, MT., 11-23-1952, p. 2.
–8 Aviation Safety Network. USAF C-119C Flying Boxcar crash 11.9 mls NW of Billings, MT.

Narrative Information

National Fire Protection Association: “Nov 17, near Billings, Mont., United States Air Force; 9 killed; $250,000.

“A C-119 ‘Flying Boxcar crashed, exploded and burned on Highway 10 near Billings, causing death to nine of a crew of twelve. Engine failure was believed the cause of the accident. The plane was en route from Edmonton, Alberta to Denver. This accident was the fourth C-119 crash in 20 days (two others occurred in Alaska and one in Korea).” (NFPA. “Worst Aircraft Fires of ’52 – North America.” Quarterly, 46/3, Jan 1953, p. 239.

Newspaper

Nov 18, AP: “Billings, Mont. (AP) – The fourth crash in 11 days of an Air Force C119 Flying Boxcar claimed eight lives yesterday when one of the huge transports crashed and burned in a muddy field 12 miles east of this South-Central Montana city. The eight deaths raised to 91 the number of servicemen killed in Boxcar crackups since Nov. 7.

“Four of the dead in the Montana crash burned to death when the two-engined craft plowed into the ground while attempting to make an emergency landing. Four died of injuries. Eight others, including the pilot and co-pilot, were rushed to two Billings hospitals. Attendants said two were in critical condition….

“Bound from Edmonton, Alta., Canada, to Denver, the plane crashed in cloudy weather but visibility was good.

“Civil Aeronautics Administration investigators said propellor trouble apparently caused one motor of the transport to shake loose.

“The Air Force in Washington said it has no intention of grounding the C119s ‘unless a pattern of mechanical failure is established by accident investigations….” (Associated Press. “Flying Boxcar Crashes Death Toll Hits 91.” Denton Record-Chronicle, TX, 11-18-1952, p. 1.)

Sources

Associated Press. “Flying Boxcar Crashes Death Toll Hits 91.” Denton Record-Chronicle, TX, 11-18-1952, p. 1. Accessed 6-3-2023 at:
https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19521117-0

Associated Press. “Propeller Tip May Be Key.” The Inter Lake, Kalispell, MT., 11-23-1952, p. 2. Accessed 6-3-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/kalispell-daily-inter-lake-nov-23-1952-p-2/

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation. USAF C-119C Flying Boxcar crash 11.9 mls NW of Billings, MT, 14:30, 17 November 1952. Accessed 6-3-2023 at:
https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19521117-0

National Fire Protection Association. “Worst Aircraft Fires of ’52 – North America.” Quarterly of the National Fire Protection Association, Vol. 46, No. 3, January 1953, pp. 231-240.