Night training accident at Bergstrom AFB

6 fatalities • Austin-Bergstrom, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A night training flight ended in a crash short of the runway at Bergstrom Air Force Base, resulting in six fatalities.

What happened

During a scheduled night training operation at Bergstrom AFB, an aircraft crashed while attempting to land. As the crew was performing the final approach phase of the flight, the plane descended below the necessary altitude and struck the ground short of the runway. The impact resulted in a significant fire.

Initial rescue efforts were successful in saving four crew members from the wreckage. However, the accident resulted in five fatalities immediately following the crash. Tragically, one of the survivors succumbed to their injuries several hours later, bringing the total number of deaths to six.

Findings

Investigations into the incident indicated that the aircraft was too low during its final approach before the collision occurred.

Probable cause

The aircraft descended below the appropriate altitude during the final approach phase of a night training mission.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1957-01-10 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident near Austin-Bergstrom, United States of America?

A night training flight ended in a crash short of the runway at Bergstrom Air Force Base, resulting in six fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1957-01-10 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1957-01-10 involved a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, registration 44-84029, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Austin-Bergstrom, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft descended below the appropriate altitude during the final approach phase of a night training mission.

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