Incident Overview
Four minutes after departing from Yokota Air Force Base, a heavy bomber encountered a fatal accident during its initial climb phase. The aircraft struck the slope of a mountain situated near the village of Saimon, which is located approximately 10 kilometers northwest of the airbase.
Casualties and Crew Manifest
The impact resulted in significant loss of life among the flight crew. Nine members were killed in the crash, while two individuals were rescued from the wreckage. The official crew manifest lists the following personnel:
- Cpl Sherley B. Ardoin (Survived)
- Cpl Norman F. Cline (Killed)
- 2nd Lt William F. Evert (Survived)
- T/Sgt Charles R. Fitzwater (Killed)
- 1st Lt Earl H. Lemons (Killed)
- S/Sgt Wayne L. Marchand (Killed)
- Cpl Carrol L. Rackley (Killed)
- 2nd Lt Harold G. Richards (Killed)
- 1st Lt Norbert L. Robie (Killed)
- Sgt James H. Sample (Survived)
- 1st Lt John G. Stevens (Killed)
Location Details
The crash site was identified as a mountainous area near Saimon village. This location is positioned roughly 10 kilometers to the northwest of Yokota AFB, placing the accident in close proximity to the departure point.