What happened
During a scheduled liaison mission, the crew of a B-50 Superfortress experienced an engine failure while in flight. In response to the mechanical issue, the pilot initiated an emergency diversion toward Lowry Air Force Base in Denver. While executing the final approach to the airfield, the aircraft suffered a stall.
The heavy bomber descended into a residential area, striking the ground several hundred yards before reaching the runway threshold. The impact caused the airframe to disintegrate, and a significant post-crash fire ensued. The wreckage and subsequent flames resulted in extensive property damage, destroying four homes and damaging five others.
Findings
- The accident resulted in 8 fatalities among the crew members and 8 additional deaths on the ground.
- A total of 12 injuries were reported, consisting of six crew members and six individuals on the ground.
- The primary factor leading to the crash was an aerodynamic stall during the landing sequence.