What happened
A training mission operating out of Westover AFB experienced a catastrophic loss of control during a low-altitude cruise. During the flight, three members of the crew successfully exited the aircraft via bailout. However, the aircraft subsequently crashed within the Elephant Mountain Range near Greenville.
The incident resulted in seven fatalities and two survivors among the crew members of the 99th BS. The surviving personnel managed to escape the wreckage before impact, while the remaining seven crew members perished in the accident.
Findings
Investigations into the crash determined that the primary factor was a mechanical failure involving the aircraft's control systems. Specifically, the failure of the stabilizer shaft occurred while the aircraft was performing a low-level exercise, rendering the plane uncontrollable.