Accident
Shortly after takeoff from Yokota Air Force Base, a heavy bomber encountered snow while climbing. The aircraft went out of control and crashed in a huge explosion on several houses located approximately 5 kilometers northwest of the airfield. All 13 crew members aboard the bomber and five individuals on the ground were killed.
Crew
The crew of the heavy bomber consisted of: Col John Grable (pilot), 2nd Lt Richard Johnson (pilot), Cpt Robert Belcher (navigator), T/Sgt Robert Crutchfield (flight engineer), 1st Lt Allen Frisbee Baker (bombardier), Sgt Edward Caron (gunner), Cpl Edward Ebehart (gunner), Sgt Neal Heffernan (gunner), 1st Lt Robert Henry, Cpl Owen J. Imsdahl, Cpl Walter Setser, Maj Daniel D. Smith Jr., and M/Sgt Howard Thompson.
Aftermath
The crash resulted in a large explosion that affected residential structures near the base. Emergency response and investigation were initiated following the incident. Further details regarding the cause of the loss of control were not provided in the source.