Incident
A test flight departed from Kelly Air Force Base carrying six civil employees: two pilots and four engineers. Shortly after departure, an unexpected situation occurred, and the airplane crashed approximately 10 kilometers west of the airbase. Upon impact, the aircraft burst into flames. Despite the severity of the crash, all six occupants evacuated the wreckage and sustained only minor injuries.
The crew consisted of Captain Mayo Neyland, pilot, and Captain Ralph Tift, copilot. The four passengers were R. A. Parker, C. T. Lowrimore, J. E. Abbey, and L. E. Yates.
Probable Cause
Official investigation findings determined that the probable cause of the accident was engine trouble.