1969-05-10: Boeing B-52 Stratofortress — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — Andersen AFB, Guam Island

6 fatalities • Andersen AFB, Guam Island • Takeoff (climb)

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, the assumption that the loss of control was the consequence of a gyrocompas intermittent malfunction was not ruled out as well as a structural failure.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

Shortly after a night takeoff from Andersen AFB, while climbing to a low height, the pilot-in-command initiated a turn to the right when control was lost. The airplane crashed into the sea few dozen yards offshore and disintegrated on impact. All six crew members were killed. They were enroute to Vietnam. Crew: Cpt Larry Ivan Broadhead, pilot, 1st Lt Maurice Edward Lundy, copilot, Cpt James L. Sipes, navigator, Cpt Russell L. Platt, radio navigator, 1st Lt Thomas R. McCormick, EWO, M/Sgt Harold B. Deel, air gunner.

Probable cause (official findings): The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, the assumption that the loss of control was the consequence of a gyrocompas intermittent malfunction was not ruled out as well as a structural failure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1969-05-10 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident near Andersen AFB, Guam Island?

Shortly after a night takeoff from Andersen AFB, while climbing to a low height, the pilot-in-command initiated a turn to the right when control was lost. The airplane crashed into the sea few dozen yards offshore and disintegrated on impact. All six crew members were killed. They were enroute to Vietnam. Crew: Cpt…

Were there any fatalities in the 1969-05-10 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1969-05-10 involved a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, registration 56-0593, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Andersen AFB, Guam Island.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, the assumption that the loss of control was the consequence of a gyrocompas intermittent malfunction was not ruled out as well as a structural failure.

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