Accident Overview
Shortly after takeoff from Columbus Air Force Base, while climbing, the aircraft entered a cloudy area. Control was lost, and the airplane inverted before crashing in a huge explosion in a field located a few kilometers north of the airbase. All nine crew members were killed.
Circumstances
Following departure, the aircraft climbed into instrument meteorological conditions. While in clouds, the artificial horizon failed, depriving the crew of a critical attitude reference. With no visual reference points available, the pilots lost control of the aircraft. The airplane subsequently inverted and impacted terrain.
Crew
The crew identified in the accident report consisted of:
- Maj Carl M. Funk, pilot
- Cpt Elbert J. Andoe, copilot
- 2nd Lt Leonard J. LeRose, copilot
- 1st Lt Anthony J. Linzi, navigator
- 1st Lt Harry L. Grebe, navigator
- Cpt Harry E. Bell, navigator
- Cpt Fred R. Curtis, radio operator
- 1st Lt Liam Rafferty, electronic warfare officer
- M/Sgt Lacy Potter, air gunner
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the loss of control occurred while the airplane was flying in clouds after the artificial horizon failed. Due to the lack of any visual reference points, control was lost.