What happened
A Convair B-36 was conducting a search and rescue mission following the disappearance of another bomber the previous day. The aircraft departed from Spokane AFB to locate the missing Convair B-36 and performed a technical stop at Malmstrom AFB. During the early morning hours, the crew attempted to resume the patrol mission after departing Malmstrom AFB.
As the aircraft was climbing to an altitude of approximately 100 feet, it became uncontrollable. The plane impacted the ground 5 km southwest of the airbase, resulting in a massive explosion. The accident resulted in eight fatalities and seven injuries among the crew members on board.