What happened
On the morning of the incident, a heavy bomber departed Robins Air Force Base at 0830 local time for a test flight associated with Project 'Banshee'. The aircraft carried a total of thirteen individuals: eight crew members and five civilian engineers. Approximately one hour into the flight, engine number one experienced a fire, while two other engines subsequently lost power.
Following instructions to abandon the airframe, four occupants managed to bail out safely before the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent. The plane crashed into an open field located south of Waycross. All nine people who remained on board were killed in the impact, while the four individuals who ejected were rescued.
Findings
Official investigations identified a fire and a drop in manifold pressure in engine number one as primary factors. Additionally, engine number four was inadvertently feathered and failed to be unfeathered prior to the crash. The report also cited a series of negligence issues and crew errors as contributing elements to the accident.