Accident Details
Shortly after departing Ubon Ratchathani Airport on a mission over Laos and Vietnam, a heavy bomber encountered stormy weather. During cruising, the aircraft was struck by lightning. The strike caused several cockpit instruments to become unserviceable. Within seconds, a fire ignited in the left wing. The aircraft went out of control and entered a dive. One crew member was able to eject from the aircraft and was subsequently recovered and evacuated. The remaining five occupants did not survive.
Crew and Fatalities
The crew consisted of Captain Thomas W. Reasor, Captain Ronald A. Ashe, Major James E. Hudelson, Captain David J. Price, Captain Joseph L. Ruzicka, and Master Sergeant Eugene C. Gries. One crew member ejected safely; the other five were killed.
Probable Cause
The official findings determined that the aircraft was struck by lightning, which rendered several instruments unserviceable. Shortly after, a fire erupted in the left wing, causing the aircraft to become uncontrollable.