Training flight crash near March AFB

5 fatalities • March AFB, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

A training mission aircraft crashed following a loss of control shortly after departing March Air Force Base, resulting in five fatalities.

What happened

During a local training mission, an aircraft experienced a loss of control shortly after departing from March Air Force Base. The flight path deviated as the plane became uncontrollable, eventually impacting the ground approximately 2.5 miles southeast of the airfield. The impact was followed by a large-scale explosion at the crash site.

Findings

  • The accident resulted in five fatalities and one crew member who sustained serious injuries.
  • The sequence of events began during the initial climb phase following takeoff.
  • The primary factor leading to the crash was the aircraft going out of control during its departure from the airfield.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost control during the takeoff phase of a training mission, leading to a high-impact crash and explosion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1978-10-19 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident near March AFB, United States of America?

A training mission aircraft crashed following a loss of control shortly after departing March Air Force Base, resulting in five fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1978-10-19 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 1978-10-19 involved a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, registration 56-0594, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at March AFB, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft lost control during the takeoff phase of a training mission, leading to a high-impact crash and explosion.

Loading the flight search…