What happened
During an ascent following takeoff from Yokota Air Force Base, a B-50 Superfortress lost control while flying through falling snow. The aircraft drifted northwest of the airfield, eventually impacting several residential structures approximately 5 km from the base. The impact triggered a massive explosion upon hitting the houses.
This accident resulted in the deaths of all 13 crew members aboard the aircraft. Additionally, the crash caused the deaths of five people on the ground.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in heavy snowfall at the time of the incident.
- The loss of control occurred during the initial climb phase of flight.