Engine fire leads to mid-air abandonment near Wakamatsu

No fatalities • Ashiya AFB, Japan • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft departing from Ashiya Air Force Base experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff, forcing the crew to bail out before the plane crashed into the sea.

What happened

Shortly after departing from Ashiya Air Force Base while traveling toward the Korea War theater, the aircraft encountered a critical emergency involving an engine fire. As the fire developed during the initial climb phase, the crew determined that the situation was untenable and initiated an emergency bailout procedure.

All members of the crew successfully exited the aircraft and were subsequently rescued. Following the abandonment, the aircraft impacted the ocean surface at a location approximately 16 km west of the Wakamatsu district. No fatalities were reported among the personnel involved in the incident.

Findings

Investigations into the accident concluded that the primary factor leading to the emergency was an engine fire that occurred during the flight.

Probable cause

An engine fire occurred shortly after takeoff, necessitating the crew's bailout.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1950-10-05 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident near Ashiya AFB, Japan?

An aircraft departing from Ashiya Air Force Base experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff, forcing the crew to bail out before the plane crashed into the sea.

Were there any fatalities in the 1950-10-05 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1950-10-05 involved a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, registration 42-65353, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Ashiya AFB, Japan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An engine fire occurred shortly after takeoff, necessitating the crew's bailout.

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