Investigation Summary
On July 10, 1953, a Republic F-84G Thunderjet operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Force was involved in a mid-air collision with a Douglas C-47D Skytrain operated by the United States Air Force. The accident occurred near Sola Air Station in Sola Municipality, Norway, while both aircraft were in the landing pattern. The collision resulted in the deaths of all 11 people involved: 10 personnel aboard the C-47D and the lone pilot of the F-84G. This event took place during the early years of Norway's transition to jet aircraft, a period where the F-84 served as a cornerstone of the country's strike fighter capabilities under the Mutual Defense Assistance Program. The impact sheared the right wing off the C-47, causing it to spiral into the ground approximately 1.5 miles from the airfield.
Final Conclusions
The accident was a mid-air collision between a Royal Norwegian Air Force F-84G and a USAF C-47D during their approach to Sola Air Station. The collision resulted in 11 fatalities: 10 aboard the C-47 and the pilot of the F-84. Both aircraft were destroyed.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Republic F-84 Thunderjet
A turbojet fighter-bomber used extensively by NATO air forces in the 1950s.
Interesting Facts
- 01The accident involved a mid-air collision between a Republic F-84G Thunderjet and a Douglas C-47D Skytrain.
- 02The event occurred on July 10, 1953, near Sola Air Station.
- 03There were 11 total fatalities: 10 on the C-47 and 1 on the F-84.
- 04Both aircraft were in the landing pattern at the time of the collision.
Location
APPROXIMATE POSITION · AIRPORT LEVEL · Coordinates are the estimate published in the entered by an editor. The ring shows the accuracy the record supports, not the point of impact.