1968-02-29: Boeing B-52 Stratofortress — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — Matagorda Island AFB, United States of America

8 fatalities • Matagorda Island AFB, United States of America • Flight

Probable cause

Due to the lack of evidences, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, the assumption that the loss of control may have been the consequence of a stab trim issue caused by an electric bus failure was not ruled out.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The crew departed Carswell AFB on a routine training mission over the Gulf of Mexico. En route, the airplane went out of control and crashed into the sea few dozen miles off Matagorda Island. Few debris were found some days later but no trace of the eight crew members who were probably killed upon impact. Crew: Maj Frank M. Salavarria, pilot, Lt William T. Causey, copilot, Cpt Charles W. Roberts, radio navigator, M/Sgt Kermit C. Casey, air gunner, Lt Michael L. Carroll, navigator, Cpt John T. Pantilla, EWO, Cpt Thomas D. Childs, Maj Phillip F. Strine.

Probable cause (official findings): Due to the lack of evidences, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, the assumption that the loss of control may have been the consequence of a stab trim issue caused by an electric bus failure was not ruled out.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1968-02-29 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident near Matagorda Island AFB, United States of America?

The crew departed Carswell AFB on a routine training mission over the Gulf of Mexico. En route, the airplane went out of control and crashed into the sea few dozen miles off Matagorda Island. Few debris were found some days later but no trace of the eight crew members who were probably killed upon impact. Crew: Maj…

Were there any fatalities in the 1968-02-29 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1968-02-29 involved a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, registration 57-0173, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Matagorda Island AFB, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Due to the lack of evidences, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, the assumption that the loss of control may have been the consequence of a stab trim issue caused by an electric bus failure was not ruled out.

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