Incident Overview
Two aircraft collided in flight while engaged in a gunnery mission over Oregon. The collision involved a Lockheed F-94 Starfire (registration 49-2574) and a Boeing B-29 heavy bomber. The F-94, with two pilots aboard, had departed McChord Air Force Base to assist the bomber in a special mission consisting of an aerial attack of the city of Portland.
Collision Details
During one of the mock passes at the bomber, the fighter struck the outer wing of the B-29. The exact sequence of events was not specified, but the collision occurred while both aircraft were performing training maneuvers.
Emergency Landing and Crash
The crew of the Starfire was able to complete an emergency landing at Aurora Airport. In contrast, the heavy bomber went out of control, dove into the ground, and crashed in a field. All 11 crew members on the B-29 were killed.
Crew of the B-29
The deceased crew members included: Sgt Billy Edward Butler, Cpt William E. Cullen, A1c Glen P. Daily, Cpt Parker A. Goodall, Maj Robert W. Head, Lt Orval L. Huffman, Maj Robert Cleveland Jobe, S/Sgt Clarence Krohn, and A2c Charles E. Wovries 2.