2 fatalities

Runway Overrun of Cream 2 at Kadena AB (55-0103)

Kadena AFB, JapanTakeoff (climb)

On November 18, 1968, a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress (registration 55-0103) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Kadena AFB, Japan during takeoff. 2 people were killed. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff from Kadena AFB, the crew of Cream 2 aborted the takeoff for unknown reasons. The aircraft overran the runway, struck a ditch and a police vehicle, and was destroyed. All seven crew were rescued, but two later died.

Accident

The flight, operating under callsign Cream 2, was departing from Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, en route to Vietnam. The takeoff was initiated on runway 05L. During the takeoff roll, the captain decided to abort the procedure for reasons that were not determined. The aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining runway distance. It overran the runway, traveled down a grass embankment, and struck a large ditch. The aircraft came to rest on Kadena AB's inner perimeter road, on top of an air force police pick-up truck. The impact tore the wings from the aircraft, releasing fuel from the wing tanks. Fires ignited from ruptured hydraulic lines, fuel flowing over hot brakes, and electrical malfunctions. The aircraft was a total loss.

Aftermath

All seven crew members were rescued from the wreckage. Two of them, who had been seriously injured, died on November 26 and November 28.

Crew

The crew consisted of pilot Captain William "Billy" Dilworth, navigator Captain Gary B. Sible, radar navigator Alex Damellio, electronic warfare officer Captain Charles David Miller, electronic warfare officer Austin J. Decker II, tail gunner Al Aroney, and crew chief mechanic Staff Sergeant Jerry Nixon Scott.