Incident
A B-29 aircraft, carrying 15 crew members including five instructors, was returning to Kelly Air Force Base in the evening after a bombing and gunnery practice mission. During the final approach, another B-29 cut in front, forcing the pilot to make sudden turns. At that moment, engine number 3 caught fire.
Sequence of Events
The fire on engine number 3 led to a loss of control. Some crew members opened a rear door and abandoned the aircraft. The airplane crashed in flames shortly thereafter.
Casualties and Damage
Four crew members were killed, and eleven others were injured, some seriously. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and fire.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be loss of control following fire on engine n°3 during the approach.