On July 12, 1953, Transocean Air Lines Flight 512, a Douglas DC-6A operated by Transocean Air Lines from Guam to Oakland, California, crashed into the Pacific Ocean roughly 630 km (340 nmi) east of Wake Island while en route to Honolulu for a planned stopover.

[1][2] On July 12, Flight 512 was scheduled to fly from Guam to Oakland, California, stopping at Wake Island and Honolulu.

[5] On July 13, 1953, at 06:08, the USNS Barrett reported debris and an empty inflated life raft from Flight 512 at 19°49′N 172°25′E / 19.817°N 172.417°E / 19.817; 172.417.

Based on the recovered bodies and debris, there was no evidence of fire in flight and impact occurred with great force.

Precise sequences for fuel loading were established by the manufacturer so as not to exceed design limitations and place excess stress on the airframe.