FlightFinder
Check my flight
3 fatalities

Military Aircraft Crashes on Savage Mountain; Three Killed, Two Eject (55-0060)

Barton, United States of AmericaFlight

On January 13, 1964, a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress (registration 55-0060) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Barton, United States of America in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Due to severe atmospheric turbulences while cruising in the blizzard, the tail detached from the main fuselage, causing the aircraft to become uncontrollable. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While cruising in a blizzard at 30,000 feet, severe turbulence caused the tail to detach, leading to an uncontrollable descent. Two pilots ejected, three crew members were killed when the aircraft crashed on Savage Mountain.

Incident Details

While cruising in a blizzard at an altitude of 30,000 feet, the crew encountered severe turbulence. The aircraft began an uncontrollable descent. Both pilots were able to eject, while three other occupants were killed when the airplane crashed in a snow-covered, wooded area on Savage Mountain. The aircraft was totally destroyed.

Crew

The crew consisted of six members: Major Thomas W. McCormick (pilot), Captain Parker C. Peedin (copilot), Major Robert E. Townley (bomb aimer), Major Robert L. Payne (navigator), and Technical Sergeant Melvin F. Wooten (tail gunner). Majors Payne and Townley, along with T/Sgt Wooten, were killed in the crash.

Probable Cause

According to official findings, the probable cause was that due to severe atmospheric turbulence while cruising in the blizzard, the tail detached from the main fuselage, causing the aircraft to become uncontrollable.

Structural failureWeather

Related events

Same operator

More Boeing B-52 Stratofortress safety records →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jan 1964 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident near Barton, United States of America?

While cruising in a blizzard at 30,000 feet, severe turbulence caused the tail to detach, leading to an uncontrollable descent. Two pilots ejected, three crew members were killed when the aircraft crashed on Savage Mountain.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Jan 1964 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jan 1964 involved a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, registration 55-0060, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Barton, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Due to severe atmospheric turbulences while cruising in the blizzard, the tail detached from the main fuselage, causing the aircraft to become uncontrollable.

More accident analyses