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Wrong-Airport Landing Leads to B-52 Crash and Fatality (44-86382)

Ogden-Hinckley, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 18, 1953, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (registration 44-86382) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Ogden-Hinckley, United States of America during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Crew error while landing on the wrong airport. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A heavy bomber crew landed at the wrong airport in Utah, overran a short runway, and crashed into a ditch and highway. One crew member was killed, six were injured, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Incident Overview A crew was conducting a flight from Sioux City to Ogden-Hill Air Force Base in Utah. Upon arrival, the pilots mistakenly identified Ogden-Hinckley Municipal Airport as the intended military airbase. The aircraft touched down on a runway that was too short for the type of aircraft involved.## Crash Sequence After landing, the heavy bomber overran the runway, struck a 10-foot-wide drainage ditch, crossed a highway, and came to rest in flames. The aircraft was destroyed in the incident.## Casualties One crew member, James A. Gerwick, was killed in the crash. Six other occupants sustained injuries.## Probable Cause The official investigation attributed the accident to crew error while landing at the wrong airport.

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Dec 1953 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident near Ogden-Hinckley, United States of America?

A heavy bomber crew landed at the wrong airport in Utah, overran a short runway, and crashed into a ditch and highway. One crew member was killed, six were injured, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Dec 1953 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Dec 1953 involved a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, registration 44-86382, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Ogden-Hinckley, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Crew error while landing on the wrong airport

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