Incident Overview
A heavy bomber operating a liaison flight suffered an engine failure en route. The captain decided to divert to Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, for a safe landing. During the final approach, the aircraft stalled and crashed into a residential area several hundred yards short of the runway threshold.
Destruction and Ground Impact
The aircraft disintegrated on impact and was destroyed by a post-crash fire. The crash damaged five houses and destroyed four others. On the ground, six people were injured, and six crew members also sustained injuries. Eight individuals were killed in the crash.
Crew Members
The crew consisted of Captain James W. Shanks (pilot), First Lieutenant Robert H. Snure (copilot), and Technical Sergeant Robert F. Jarvis (gunnery instructor). Other crew members included Technical Sergeant Herbert Oeser, Corporal Richard P. Yukob, Private First Class James E. Snyder, Private First Class Ronald W. Wiersma, Private First Class William J. Ablondi, Private First Class Baxter Srber, and Private First Class John R. Servic. Additionally, Staff Sergeant William A. Zippel, Corporal Ray E. Widner, Private First Class Teddy D. Allen, and Private First Class Joe D. Wiggins were also on board.