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.