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55 years today – The vanishing EC-135

13 June 1971 - a USAF C-135B with 24 aboard disappears somewhere off Hawaii (US). Only light wreckage was found floating in the ocean. Officially, the cause of the accident was never revealed.

Some sources state the likely cause was a structural failure due to modifications in the airframe – seen in the black sections on the front of the fuselage. These conversions had been implemented for the jet´s mission that day, which was to observe French nuclear tests in Moruroa, specifically to "detect and analyze nuclear explosions and their related electromagnetic pulses" (via Code 7700).

The aircraft [Registration 61-0331] was assigned to the 4950th Test Wing, Space and Missile Systems Organization (SAMSO), Wright-Patterson AFB, and was en route from Pago Pago, American Samoa, to Hickam AFB in Hawaii after monitoring the French atmospheric nuclear test Encelade. It is estimated that it vanished some 70 miles south of Hawaii, near Palmyra Island. Of the 24 aboard, 12 were civilians and the others civilian technicians.
💔 We are deeply saddened by the passing of Captain Sherif Gamal, a respected pilot and instructor at the Egyptian Aviation Academy, who lost his life during a training flight aboard a Cessna 172R.

Captain Sherif dedicated his career to aviation and to training future generations of pilots with professionalism, passion, and commitment. His contribution to the aviation community will be remembered by all who had the privilege of learning from and working with him.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and students during this difficult time.

May he rest in peace. ✈️🕊️
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