What happened
During an evening mission involving bombing and gunnery training, a B-29 carrying 15 crew members—including five instructors—was conducting landing maneuvers at Kelly AFB. As the aircraft was on its final approach, another B-29 crossed into its flight path, necessitating abrupt maneuvering by the pilot to avoid a collision.
During these sudden turns, the number three engine ignited. In response to the developing fire, several crew members exited the aircraft through a rear door. The B-29 subsequently crashed while engulfed in flames. The accident resulted in four fatalities and 11 injuries, with several of the survivors sustaining serious wounds.
Findings
Investigation into the incident determined that the primary factor was the loss of aircraft control following the ignition of the number three engine during the approach phase.