Some planes have hidden flaws that only become apparent after they enter service. These vulnerabilities can lead to tragic consequences, and unfortunately, many of these aircraft became infamous for their dangerous reputations. Below, we explore ten aircraft that stand out for their perilous designs and operational records.
1. Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka
During World War II, the Imperial Japanese Navy used the Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka as a suicide aircraft. The Ohka was essentially a piloted missile that a bomber would carry to its target before releasing it for a final, deadly dive.
However, the Ohka’s limited range and the vulnerability of its carrier aircraft made it a highly ineffective weapon. The Ohka intercepted and destroyed all the bombers carrying it on its first mission before they could reach their targets. Although the Ohka succeeded in sinking one U.S. destroyer, the overall effectiveness of the weapon was minimal. Indeed, Ohka missions likely claimed more Japanese lives than American ones, establishing it as one of the most perilous and tragic aircraft ever designed.
2. Republic F-105 Thunderchief
The Republic F-105 Thunderchief, also known as the “Thud,” had a troubled start, with the first two prototypes suffering catastrophic landing accidents. The aircraft required extensive modifications to meet performance specifications, but even then, it remained dangerously flawed.
The F-105’s single hydraulic system controlling the horizontal stabilizer was a critical weak point, and damage to this system often led to fatal crashes. The aircraft also suffered heavy losses during the Vietnam War, with 334 Thunderchiefs lost in combat, representing nearly 20% of all USAF losses. Overall, the aircraft lost more than 50% of its production, making it one of the most dangerous ever built.
3. Supermarine Scimitar
The Supermarine Scimitar was a twin-jet naval fighter that suffered from a horrendous loss rate. Despite its impressive thrust, the Scimitar’s thick wing prevented it from achieving supersonic speeds except in a dive. Hydraulic failures, engine issues, and various other mechanical problems plagued the aircraft.
39 of the 76 Scimitars built perished in accidents, representing a startling 51% loss rate. These losses occurred primarily in peacetime, highlighting the aircraft’s inherent dangers.
4. Vought F-8 Crusader
The Vought F-8 Crusader was a naval fighter with a formidable reputation, but it was also incredibly dangerous, particularly during landings. The Crusader’s high approach speed and unique design, where the wing’s angle of attack remained constant while the fuselage tilted, made landings challenging and counterintuitive for pilots.
517 of the 1,261 Crusaders built lost their lives in accidents, resulting in a staggering 41% loss rate. The Crusader’s combination of high performance and high risk made it a formidable yet perilous aircraft to fly.
5. Latécoère 631
Designed in the late 1930s, the Latécoère 631 was a large flying boat that didn’t enter service until after World War II. Unfortunately, the aircraft’s safety record was disastrous. The 631 was involved in several fatal accidents, including one where a propeller blade detached and caused catastrophic damage to the fuselage.
During its operational life, accidents claimed four of the seven Latécoère 631s built, resulting in the deaths of all onboard. Tragic events have marked the aircraft’s history, making it one of the most dangerous airliners ever to fly.
6. Liberator Express (C-87)
The C-87 Liberator Express was a transport version of the B-24 Liberator bomber. However, unlike its bomber counterpart, the C-87 was notorious for its poor safety record. The aircraft’s design shortcuts, taken to prioritize bomber production, led to numerous flaws, including poor high-altitude performance and weak nose gear.
The C-87 was also prone to cargo shifts, which could cause the aircraft to become uncontrollable. With a loss rate of over 50%, the C-87 was one of the most dangerous aircraft of its time. The C-87, a deadly choice for transport missions, lost 152 of its 287 built aircraft.
7. Vought a F7U Cutlass
The Vought F7U Cutlass was a futuristic-looking naval jet that promised much but delivered little in terms of safety. Numerous flaws plagued it, including a lack of thrust, a fragile nose gear, and a complex hydraulic system prone to failure. These issues made the Cutlass a nightmare to operate, especially during carrier landings.
The Cutlass’s design flaws meant that it had a nose-high attitude during landing, making it difficult for pilots to see the carrier deck. Moreover, its fuel system was problematic, often leading to engine shutdowns. Unsurprisingly, after just three and a half years, the Cutlass lost 78 of its 320 built units in accidents, resulting in a shocking 24% loss rate.
8. Gloster Meteor
The Gloster Meteor holds the distinction of being the Allies’ first jet-powered fighter, but it was also fraught with dangerous design flaws. Engine failure, especially during takeoff, caused asymmetric thrust, one of the most severe issues. Pilots often struggled with this imbalance, sometimes relying on their physical strength to manage the controls.
The meteor’s safety record was abysmal. In 1952 alone, the RAF lost 150 Meteors, accounting for 30% of its total aircraft losses that year. During its service life, the RAF lost 890 Meteors, which accounted for 22% of the total production. The Meteor’s transition from piston-engine aircraft to jet power was a perilous one for many pilots.
9. de Havilland Comet
The de Havilland Comet, the world’s first jet-powered airliner, was a symbol of British innovation when it entered service in 1952. However, a series of catastrophic accidents marred its promising start. Early issues included difficulty taking off, leading to several runway overruns.
In 1954, design flaws caused metal fatigue, which led to the disintegration of two comets in mid-air. The aircraft’s thin-gauge metal was susceptible to cracking at the rivet holes. Despite redesigns, the damage to the comet’s reputation was irreversible. Accidents claimed the lives of 25 out of the 114 comets built, significantly contributing to its dangerous legacy.
10. Tupolev Tu-104
The Tupolev Tu-104 was a Soviet jet airliner that entered service during a brief period when it was the world’s only jet airliner, following the British Comet’s temporary withdrawal. However, it was far from safe. The Tu-104 was notorious for its heavy controls, instability, and adverse handling characteristics, especially as it approached stalling speed.
Pilots often had to approach airports at speeds 30 mph faster than intended to avoid uncontrollable dives or violent pitch-ups. Despite these precautions, accidents were common. Accidents claimed the lives of three Tu-104s in 1958 alone. Upon the commercial withdrawal of the Tu-104 in 1979, accidents claimed 32 aircraft, and the military version continued to operate until 1981. With a loss rate of 16%, the Tu-104 was significantly more dangerous than most other operational jet airliners.
Final Thoughts
These aircraft serve as sobering reminders of the risks inherent in aviation, especially during periods of rapid technological advancement. While some of these planes were products of their time, others were simply flawed from the start. Each of these ten aircraft earned its place on this list through a combination of poor design, dangerous flaws, and, in some cases, tragic outcomes.
