6 fatalities

Aircraft Crashes Short of Runway During Night Training at Bergstrom AFB (44-84029)

Austin-Bergstrom, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 10, 1957, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (registration 44-84029) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Austin-Bergstrom, United States of America during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During a night training mission at Bergstrom AFB, an aircraft on final approach descended too low and crashed in flames short of the runway. Four crew members were rescued, but five were killed in the accident, and a survivor later died from injuries.

Overview

An aircraft was conducting a night training mission at Bergstrom Air Force Base when it crashed short of the runway during final approach. The aircraft was observed to be too low and subsequently impacted the ground in flames. The accident resulted in multiple casualties among the crew.

Incident Details

As the aircraft approached the runway, it descended below the required glidepath and struck the ground before reaching the landing area. The impact and ensuing fire consumed the aircraft. Rescue personnel responded quickly and were able to extract four crew members from the wreckage. Tragically, five others perished in the crash. One of the survivors succumbed to injuries a few hours after being rescued.

Casualties

The individuals killed in the accident were identified as:

  • Lieutenant Ronald Rosetti
  • Lieutenant Robert E. Smith
  • Sergeant Edward Clifford Clemmons
  • Sergeant Thomas Salazar
  • Airman Second Class Michael Bryan McIntosh
  • Lieutenant Don Anderson Berg

Note: The list includes six names although the source states five were killed at the scene and one later, totaling six fatalities. The source names all six as "those killed."