Incident Overview
On a local training flight at McCoy Air Force Base (AFB) in Orlando, Florida, a fire erupted on engine number 7. The captain decided to return to McCoy AFB for an emergency landing. During the final approach to runway 18R, the aircraft went out of control and crashed in flames onto several houses located one mile north of the airfield.
Damage and Casualties
The aircraft and four houses were totally destroyed. All seven crew members aboard were killed. On the ground, eight people sustained serious injuries, including seven children. Three days after the accident, Anthony Ellington, aged 10, died from his injuries.
Crew Members
The crew consisted of Captain Wendell W. Campbell (pilot), Captain Barry E. Applebee (copilot), First Lieutenant Robert Heatherly (navigator), Lieutenant Colonel George P. Gamache (navigator), Major James J. Hammons, Major William E. Kesler, and Master Sergeant Allen H. Murray.
Probable Cause
The official findings state the probable cause as engine failure and fire for unknown reason.