Accident Overview
A midair collision occurred between two B-52 bombers during a local training flight at Spokane Air Force Base. The aircraft were practicing visual and instrument approaches and landings. One B-52, registered 56-0681, was approaching runway 23 at a distance of about three miles from the threshold when its crew canceled the instrument approach to continue under visual flight rules. At the same time, the second B-52, registered 56-0661, which was in second position, switched from visual mode to instrument approach procedures.
Sequence of Events
Due to a lack of coordination between the two flight crews, the approach controller instructed the first B-52 (56-0681) to gain altitude while turning to the right. The second B-52 (56-0661) was instructed to reduce altitude while turning to the left. Seconds later, at an altitude of 900 feet, the two aircraft collided and crashed.
Casualties and Damage
On board 56-0681, five crew members were killed and two others were seriously injured. On board 56-0661, only one crew member survived; the other eight were killed.
Official Findings
The investigation determined that the approach procedures were not followed by the crew. Specifically, the B-52 closer to the runway (56-0681) had just switched off its instrument maneuvers, while the B-52 farther away (56-0661) had not yet switched on its instruments. The control tower did not detect the more distant B-52 until it was approximately three miles from the runway, at which point the closer bomber was on final approach. The tower ordered the first aircraft to climb and turn right—a standard breakaway maneuver—while the closer aircraft should have followed procedures to descend and turn left to land. Instead, both aircraft turned to the right and climbed, leading to the collision. Investigators were unable to determine why the crew failed to follow standard procedures and ATC instructions.