1958-02-11: Boeing B-52 Stratofortress — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — Ellsworth AFB, United States of America

5 fatalities • Ellsworth AFB, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

Probable cause

The accident was the result of a fuel pump screen iced over, leading to a total power loss on all engines.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

On final approach to Ellsworth AFB, while completing a local training sortie, all eight engine lost power. The aircraft stalled and crashed onto a building containing the equipment for the instrument landing approach system and located short of runway. Two crew members were killed while six others were injured. Three people working in the building were killed as well. Crew: Cpt Melvin J. Rudd, pilot, Sgt Richard Gilbert, navigator, Cpt Verle Rusk, navigator, 1st Lt Leonard R. Scotty, electronic countermeasures officer, T/Sgt Oscar Orrs, gunner, 1, Cpt John O'Connell Jr., navigator, † 1st Lt Kenneth B. Kaeppler, radar navigator. † Those killed on ground were: A1c Ronald R. Mitchell, A1 James E. Ferrell, Mr. Glen M. Allen.

Probable cause (official findings): The accident was the result of a fuel pump screen iced over, leading to a total power loss on all engines.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1958-02-11 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident near Ellsworth AFB, United States of America?

On final approach to Ellsworth AFB, while completing a local training sortie, all eight engine lost power. The aircraft stalled and crashed onto a building containing the equipment for the instrument landing approach system and located short of runway. Two crew members were killed while six others were injured. Three…

Were there any fatalities in the 1958-02-11 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1958-02-11 involved a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, registration 56-0610, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Ellsworth AFB, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was the result of a fuel pump screen iced over, leading to a total power loss on all engines.

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