Incident
A four-engine bomber crashed during a local training flight at Mountain Home Airport, resulting in the deaths of all seven crew members. The aircraft was conducting touch-and-go landings before the accident.
Sequence of Events
After takeoff, while in the initial climb, the bomber went out of control and crashed approximately 1,300 feet beyond the runway end. The aircraft exploded on impact and disintegrated, killing everyone on board.
Crew Members
- Captain Ralph Todd, pilot
- 1st Lieutenant Harold C. Lowder, copilot
- 1st Lieutenant Richard S. Ross, instructor pilot
- Staff Sergeant William K. Williams
- Staff Sergeant Richard J. Flagstead
- Private First Class John Avey
- Private First Class Dennis Lee McClelland
Investigation
The investigation did not determine a probable cause for the accident. The aircraft was completely destroyed by the impact and subsequent explosion.