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3 fatalities

March Air Force Base Training Flight Crash (44-61867)

March AFB, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 5, 1952, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (registration 44-61867) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near March AFB, United States of America during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A local training flight at March AFB crashed near houses 3 km short of the runway for unknown reasons. Three crew members were killed and eight were injured.

Incident Overview and Casualties A crew was conducting a local training flight at March Air Force Base (March AFB) when the aircraft crashed for unknown reasons. The accident occurred during the final approach, with the aircraft striking the ground near houses located 3 km short of the runway. The impact caused the airplane to burst into flames. Three crew members were killed in the crash, and eight others were injured. ## Crew Roster The following personnel were aboard the aircraft: - Cpt Charles W. Gatchel, instructor pilot - 1st Lt R. C. Dunlap, pilot - 1st Lt Billy Lee, pilot - T/Sgt W. S. Bradley - S/Sgt W. J. Wright, flight engineer - S/Sgt Joseph Guida, radar scanner - S/Sgt F. J. Ryan, radar scanner - Sgt Robert E. Erickson, radar scanner - Sgt Joseph Pecka, radar scanner - Cpl P. J. Hanratty, radar scanner - Pfc J. C. Hall, radio operator

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