Incident Overview
On the day of the accident, a United States Air Force aircraft departed Biggs Air Force Base, Texas, for a navigational exercise. While cruising at an altitude of 7,000 feet, the aircraft entered a spin and subsequently crashed in a field southwest of Lebanon. The crash was characterized by a huge explosion, with the aircraft impacting in a vertical attitude. The force of the impact and the blast tore a hole in the ground approximately 18 feet deep and at least 75 feet wide.
Crew and Casualties
All 16 crew members on board were killed. The crew belonged to the 97th Bombardment Wing and included four officers. The deceased were identified as: 1st Lt Harvey E. Martin (pilot), Cpt John F. Adams Jr. (pilot), Apt Paul E. Anderson Jr., S/Sgt Ellis E. Smith, S/Sgt James A. Travis, S/Sgt Russell E. Moore, Sgt Alcide Danos, Pfc George L. Martin, T/Sgt Charles W. Pickett, T/Sgt Joseph Veid, T/Sgt Vernon W. Diggle, S/Sgt W. O. Timmons, S/Sgt James M. Tennille Jr., and S/Sgt Thomas James Mullen 2.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation was unable to determine the exact cause of the accident with certainty. However, it was reported that the loss of control occurred while the aircraft was cruising just below the base of a thunderstorm area.