Fatal engine failure during training flight near Flushing, Michigan

1 fatality • Flushing, United States of America • Flight

An engine malfunction during a training mission led to an emergency bailout and the subsequent crash of an aircraft near Flushing, Michigan.

What happened

During a scheduled training flight traveling from Minneapolis toward Griffiss Air Force Base, the crew experienced an in-flight engine failure. Following the mechanical malfunction, all eight people on board initiated an emergency bailout procedure to abandon the aircraft.

While seven of the crew members successfully evacuated the plane, one individual was unable to survive because their parachute failed to deploy correctly. The aircraft continued its descent after the occupants departed, ultimately impacting a field situated approximately one mile southeast of Flushing, Michigan. The incident resulted in eight fatalities and no survivors from the crew.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor leading to the loss of the aircraft was an engine failure during the flight.

Probable cause

The crash was caused by a mechanical engine failure during the training mission.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1951-12-22 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident near Flushing, United States of America?

An engine malfunction during a training mission led to an emergency bailout and the subsequent crash of an aircraft near Flushing, Michigan.

Were there any fatalities in the 1951-12-22 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1951-12-22 involved a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, registration 44-62215, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Flushing, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crash was caused by a mechanical engine failure during the training mission.

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