Aircraft accident near Kelly AFB during test flight

No fatalities • Kelly AFB (ex Brooks Field, San Antonio), United States of America • Flight

A test flight departing from Kelly AFB resulted in an aircraft crash and fire approximately 10 km west of the airfield, leaving all six occupants with minor injuries.

What happened

A flight consisting of two pilots and four engineers, all of whom were civil employees, was conducting a scheduled test flight when the aircraft departed from Kelly AFB. During the mission, an unforeseen emergency developed, leading to the loss of control of the aircraft. The plane crashed roughly 10 km west of the airbase, where the impact caused the wreckage to ignite.

Despite the intensity of the post-crash fire, all six people on board managed to evacuate the wreckage. There were no fatalities reported in the incident, though the occupants sustained minor injuries during the event.

Findings

Official investigations into the accident concluded that the crash was precipitated by engine trouble occurring during the flight.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by mechanical issues involving the engine.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1950-04-07 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident near Kelly AFB (ex Brooks Field, San Antonio), United States of America?

A test flight departing from Kelly AFB resulted in an aircraft crash and fire approximately 10 km west of the airfield, leaving all six occupants with minor injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1950-04-07 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1950-04-07 involved a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, registration 44-61962, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Kelly AFB (ex Brooks Field, San Antonio), United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by mechanical issues involving the engine.

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