What happened
During a multi-aircraft training mission departing from RAF Lakenheath, a B-50 was flying as part of a large formation that included ten other US Air Force aircraft. While the group was executing an approach, the aircraft suddenly lost stability and entered an uncontrolled descent. The plane struck the ground several miles away from the airfield, resulting in a massive explosion upon impact.
There were 11 fatalities among the crew members on board the aircraft. No survivors were reported following the crash.
Findings
Official investigations into the accident were unable to establish a definitive cause for the loss of control. Investigators did not rule out the possibility that the pilot performed an evasive maneuver intended to prevent a mid-air collision with another plane in the formation, which may have resulted in an aerodynamic stall.