8 fatalities

Aircraft Crash During Climb After Liftoff (56-0607)

Fairchild AFB (Spokane), United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On April 1, 1960, a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress (registration 56-0607) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Fairchild AFB (Spokane), United States of America during takeoff. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed the loss of control was caused by a structural failure of the upper wing surface. 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

An aircraft crashed in a large explosion shortly after takeoff while climbing. Eight crew members were killed, one survived, and the aircraft was destroyed. The probable cause was a structural failure of the upper wing surface.

Incident Overview and Casualties The aircraft lost control shortly after liftoff while in the climb phase. The airplane crashed in a large explosion, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft. Eight crew members were killed in the incident, and one crew member survived. ## Official Findings The official investigation concluded that the loss of control was believed to have been caused by a structural failure of the upper wing surface. No other specific details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, date, or location were provided in the source material. ## Safety Implications The incident highlights the critical importance of structural integrity in aircraft design and maintenance, particularly during high-stress phases of flight such as takeoff and climb. The official findings point to a specific structural component as the likely origin of the failure, underscoring the need for rigorous inspection and monitoring of wing structures.

Probable cause

It is believed the loss of control was caused by a structural failure of the upper wing surface.