What happened
On a flight departing from Andersen Air Force Base toward Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, via Kwajalein Island, a B-29 Superfortress experienced a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff. The aircraft's second engine failed due to overheating in the cylinders and hydraulic fluid, which resulted in an exhaust pipe breaking off and producing heavy smoke. In response, the crew shut down the malfunctioning engine and feathered the propeller.
During the final approach to runway 07R, the pilot-in-command initiated a go-around after passing through the final cloud layer, opting to fly a circuit before attempting a second approach. During this subsequent landing attempt, the aircraft was maneuvered at an excessively steep angle toward the side of the feathered propeller. With the landing gear extended and flaps retracted, the bomber lost sufficient lift and control. The plane entered an 80-degree left bank and impacted several houses located just short of the runway in a near vertical position.
The accident resulted in nine fatalities among the aircraft's occupants, including all four crew members and five passengers. Additionally, the crash caused ten fatalities on the ground, including several children and members of two families.
Findings
Investigations determined that the primary mechanical issue was the failure of engine number two, triggered by the overheating of hydraulic liquid and cylinders. This failure led to a broken exhaust pipe and subsequent smoke. The resulting loss of engine power and the difficult handling characteristics during the landing maneuver contributed to the loss of control.