Incident
During the takeoff run, the pilot-in-command encountered an unexpected situation and initiated an emergency braking procedure. The heavy bomber was unable to stop within the remaining distance and overran the runway, coming to rest in flames.
Evacuation and Fatalities
All eleven crew members evacuated the cabin and were uninjured. However, ten rescuers—three Americans and seven Japanese—were killed when the aircraft was destroyed by the explosions of several bombs stored on board.
Crew
The crew consisted of: 1st Lt Robert B. Almack, Cpt John P. Brennan, T/Sgt John Bushby, 1st Lt Robert C. Emerson, Sgt Raymond D. Foye, Sgt Loren F. Harter, Sgt Morito Miyose, Sgt Garland A. Moore, S/Sgt William R. Plumley, 1st Lt Eli B. Reiss, and Lt Col John P. Wolfe.