What happened
A mission involving a B-52 began as a scheduled refueling operation departing from Larson Air Force Base, intended to take place over the state of Montana. During the flight, the aircraft attempted to establish a connection with a USAF KC-135. During this maneuver, the refueling probe made contact with the right wing of the B-52, resulting in a puncture through the wing structure.
Following the collision, the mission was aborted, and the crew proceeded to return to Larson AFB. During the landing sequence, the damaged right wing suffered a structural failure. This led to a crash involving intense flames. Although the aircraft was completely destroyed, all 10 crew members managed to evacuate the wreckage without any fatalities.