Engine fire leads to crew bailout near Randolph Air Force Base

No fatalities • Randolph AFB (Seguin), United States of America • Flight

An engine failure and subsequent fire forced the crew of an aircraft to abandon the plane before it crashed near Randolph AFB.

What happened

During the flight, a mechanical failure occurred when one of the engines malfunctioned and ignited. The resulting fire necessitated an immediate emergency response from the onboard personnel.

As the situation escalated, all eight crew members elected to perform an emergency bailout to escape the burning aircraft. Following the abandonment of the plane, the aircraft continued on its path until it impacted a field situated approximately three miles north of Randolph AFB. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe.

Findings

  • There were no fatalities or injuries reported among the crew following the bailout.
  • The primary factor leading to the abandonment of the aircraft was an engine failure and subsequent fire.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an engine malfunction that resulted in an onboard fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1951-08-23 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident near Randolph AFB (Seguin), United States of America?

An engine failure and subsequent fire forced the crew of an aircraft to abandon the plane before it crashed near Randolph AFB.

Were there any fatalities in the 1951-08-23 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1951-08-23 involved a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, registration 44-87640, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Randolph AFB (Seguin), United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an engine malfunction that resulted in an onboard fire.

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