6 fatalities

Training Flight Ends in Fatal Crash at Barksdale AFB After Engine Failure (44-86420)

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

On August 25, 1952, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (registration 44-86420) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Barksdale AFB, United States of America during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure on final approach. 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 training flight at Barksdale AFB crashed on final approach due to an engine failure. Six of seven crew members were killed; one survived. The aircraft was destroyed.

Incident Overview

A local training flight at Barksdale Air Force Base ended in a crash near the base after the aircraft experienced an engine failure on final approach. The accident resulted in the deaths of six crew members, with one survivor. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact.

Crew Members

The crew consisted of seven personnel. Those killed were:

  • Captain Howard Ralph Evans, pilot
  • 2nd Lieutenant Owen Dack, copilot
  • Airman Second Class Patrick James Marr, flight engineer
  • Captain Donald Kingman, navigator
  • Airman Third Class Donald D. Brahm, radio operator
  • Airman First Class Harvey M. Sullivan, refuel operator

The sole survivor was Captain Gorman D. Blackerby, radar operator.

Sequence of Events

The flight was conducted as a training mission. On final approach to the airbase, the aircraft suffered an engine failure. The crew was unable to recover, and the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Barksdale AFB. Emergency response teams arrived at the scene, but six crew members were pronounced dead.

Official Findings

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was an engine failure on final approach. No other contributing factors were stated.