Date:	Tuesday 24 September 1968
Time:
Type:	Boeing KC-135A Stratotanker
Owner/operator:	United States Air Force - USAF
Registration:	55-3133
MSN:	17249/16
Year of manufacture:	1957
Total airframe hrs:	6681 hours
Engine model:	Pratt & Whitney J57-P
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 11 / Occupants: 56
Aircraft damage:	Destroyed, written off
Category:	Accident
Location:	Wake Island Airport (AWK) -   Micronesia
Phase:	Approach
Nature:	Military
Departure airport:	Guam-Andersen AFB (UAM/PGUA)
Destination airport:	Honolulu-Hickam AFB, HI (HIK)

Narrative:
The KC-135 transport plane was en route from U-Tapao, Thailand and Guam to Loring AFB, ME with en route stops at Honolulu-Hickam AFB, HI (HIK) and California. Over the Pacific Ocean the airplane developed engine problems. They crew decided to divert to Wake Island Airport (AWK). On final approach the airplane contacted the surface of the water and bounced onto the east end of the runway. It struck ILS aerials and burst into flames.
Passengers were 509th Bomb Wing personnel returning from duty in Thailand.

The Miami News - Sep 24, 1968
Lodi News-Sentinel - Sep 24, 1968

photo (c) Hans; Wake Island Airport (AWK/PAWK); 25 September 1968

photo (c) Hans; Wake Island Airport (AWK/PAWK); 25 September 1968

photo (c) via Kathleen Knowles; Wake Island Airport (AWK/PAWK); September 1968

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