Accident Details
A local training flight at Castle Air Force Base ended in a crash when the aircraft experienced an unexpected pitch-up during the initial climb. The crew had been conducting touch-and-go maneuvers. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft's pitch increased, causing the tail to stall. The aircraft then crashed onto the runway.
Fatalities
The accident resulted in the deaths of all six crew members on board. The crew consisted of Captain Richard F. Beattie, serving as pilot; Major Boyd P. Beyer, navigator; Major Doyal L. Keller, navigator; Captain Wilber D. Wright, student; First Lieutenant Frank D. Harriman, student; and Second Lieutenant Steven D. Lack, student.
Accident Description
The flight was a local training mission at the base. After completing multiple touch-and-go landings, the aircraft took off for another circuit. During the initial climb phase, the aircraft's nose pitched up excessively. This caused the tail to stall aerodynamically. The aircraft lost control and descended, crashing onto the runway where it had just taken off.
Crew Information
All six individuals on board were members of the U.S. Air Force, based at Castle AFB. The pilot, Captain Beattie, was the aircraft commander. The navigators, Major Beyer and Major Keller, provided in-flight navigation. The students, Captain Wright, First Lieutenant Harriman, and Second Lieutenant Lack, were undergoing training at the base.