Air Force C-124A Globemaster Went Down, Fatally Injuring All 52 Aboard

The wreckage of an airplane discovered earlier this month on an Alaska glacier is that of an Air Force C-124A Globemaster which went down in 1952. All 52 people on board the airplane were fatally injured in the accident.

Army Captain Jamie Dobson confirmed that the accident site corresponds to where the military transport went down, but would not completely rule out other possibilities. He said processing DNA found at the site could take as long as six years.

The wreckage was discovered by an Alaska National Guard air crew flying a helicopter training mission on June 10th. The FAA has had a TFR over the site while the investigation continues. The Associated Press reports that representatives from the Joint POW/MIA accounting command have also visited the site. They wrapped up their work Tuesday.

Some equipment, such as a life-support system from the plane, were recovered, along with what may be human remains. That evidence has been shipped to Hawaii for analysis.

Dobson said the investigation is still in its early stages. "This is very close to the starting line, not the finish line," she said. (USAF Photo)

FMI: www.jpac.pacom.mil