Collision Incident
On 12 March 1952 at 1350 CST, two B-29 aircraft, AF No. 44-87774 and No. 44-62223, both assigned to Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, collided in mid-air approximately 19 miles north of Randolph Air Force Base.
Aircraft and Crew
Aircraft No. 44-87774 carried eight crew members: M/Sgt Clyde L. Arnold (instructor engineer), Cpl Wallace L. Bertog (flight engineer), Pfc Donald L. Jameson (student gunner), 1st Lt Lester H. Johnson (pilot), Pvt Sanford L. "Sandy" Kerner (student gunner), Maj Robert W. Padgett (student aircraft commander), Pfc William E. Reynolds (student gunner), and 1st Lt Dale W. Scott (instructor pilot).
Aircraft No. 44-62223 carried seven crew members: Pfc Arthur L. Hall (student gunner), M/Sgt Ward W. Hovis (flight engineer), Cpl Patrick H. Martin (instructor gunner), M/Sgt Harrell B. Meyers (instructor engineer), 1st Lt Robert D. Neu (student aircraft commander), Cpt Donald L. Rottier (instructor pilot), and 1st Lt Moses G. Seals (pilot).
Collision Consequences
The collision resulted in the tail section of aircraft No. 44-62223 separating from the fuselage, rendering that aircraft uncontrollable. Portions of aircraft No. 44-87774 found along the flight path after the collision indicated a strong possibility that all personnel in the forward section of this aircraft were incapacitated. Both aircraft crashed with all personnel aboard.
Investigation Findings
Official investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of the collision.