14 fatalities

Aircraft crash shortly after takeoff due to engine failure (42-65385)

Kirtland AFB (Albuquerque), United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On January 27, 1947, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (registration 42-65385) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Kirtland AFB (Albuquerque), United States of America during takeoff. 14 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure at takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed 400 meters from the runway end during initial climb after a left engine failed, resulting in the deaths of all 14 occupants.

What happened

Shortly after departing the runway, the aircraft was in its initial climb phase when one of the left engines ceased functioning. The loss of power caused the airplane to become uncontrollable. It impacted the ground approximately 400 meters from the end of the runway and immediately burst into flames.

The accident resulted in significant casualties among the fourteen people on board. Two crew members sustained serious injuries during the impact, while twelve others were killed instantly. Tragically, the two individuals who survived the initial crash later succumbed to their wounds within a few hours, resulting in a total of 14 fatalities.

Findings

The official investigation concluded that the primary factor leading to the accident was the mechanical failure of an engine during the critical takeoff phase.

Probable cause

Engine failure at takeoff