While cruising in a blizzard at an altitude of 30,000 feet, the crew encountered severe turbulences and the airplane started an uncontrollable descent. Both pilot were able to eject while three other occupants were killed when the airplane crashed in a snow covered and wooded area located on the Savage Mountain. The aircraft was totally destroyed. Crew: Maj Thomas W. McCormick, pilot, Cpt Parker C. Peedin, copilot, Maj Robert E. Townley, bomb aimer, † Maj Robert L. Payne, navigator, † T/Sgt Melvin F. Wooten, tail gunner. †
Probable cause (official findings): Due to severe atmospheric turbulences while cruising in the blizzard, the tail detached from the main fuselage, causing the aircraft to become uncontrollable.