On October 19, 1978, a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress (registration 56-0594) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near March AFB, United States of America during takeoff. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost control during the takeoff phase of a training mission, leading to a high-impact crash and explosion. 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.
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.
What happened in the 19 Oct 1978 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 19 Oct 1978 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 19 Oct 1978 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.
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