3 fatalities

Bomber Crash Near San Antonio After Engine Fire (44-61678)

San Antonio, United States of AmericaFlight

On June 21, 1951, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (registration 44-61678) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near San Antonio, United States of America in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine fire and failure in flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A bomber on a training mission from Randolph AFB crashed in Northcliffe, Texas, after a starboard engine fire. Three crew members were killed; five were rescued.

Incident Overview

A bomber aircraft, engaged in a local training flight originating from Randolph Air Force Base, experienced an engine fire during a controlled approach. The starboard engine caught fire, prompting the crew to abandon the aircraft. The bomber subsequently entered a dive and crashed in Northcliffe, a northeastern suburb of San Antonio, Texas.

Casualties and Rescue

The aircraft carried eight crew members. Five were rescued, while three others were killed. According to the official report, the three fatalities occurred because they opened their parachutes too early, trapping them inside the descending bomber.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be an engine fire and failure in flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jun 1951 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident near San Antonio, United States of America?

A bomber on a training mission from Randolph AFB crashed in Northcliffe, Texas, after a starboard engine fire. Three crew members were killed; five were rescued.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Jun 1951 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jun 1951 involved a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, registration 44-61678, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at San Antonio, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine fire and failure in flight