1 fatality

Fatal accident involving aircraft during takeoff (44-86328)

Kadena AFB, JapanTakeoff (climb)

On September 15, 1950, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (registration 44-86328) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Kadena AFB, Japan during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the accident remains unknown. 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

An aircraft crashed during its takeoff roll, resulting in one crew fatality and the subsequent deaths of two rescue workers.

What happened

During the initial phase of flight, an aircraft crashed while attempting to take off. The exact circumstances surrounding the loss of control or mechanical failure at the time of the accident remain undetermined. Following the impact, a rescue operation was launched to assist those on board.

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, one member of the crew was confirmed dead. Ten other individuals present on the aircraft were successfully pulled from the wreckage and rescued.

Tragically, the incident claimed additional lives during the emergency response efforts. Two personnel involved in the rescue operations died while attempting to assist the survivors.

Findings

The specific reasons for the crash during the takeoff phase have not yet been established.

Probable cause

The cause of the accident remains unknown.