On February 29, 1968, a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress (registration 57-0173) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Matagorda Island AFB, United States of America in flight. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause could not be determined, but it was assumed that the loss of control may have been the consequence of a stab trim issue caused by an electric bus failure. 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 U.S. Air Force training aircraft crashed into the Gulf of Mexico off Matagorda Island after departing Carswell AFB. All eight crew members remain unaccounted for. The exact cause is undetermined, but a possible stab trim issue was considered.
Accident
A U.S. Air Force training aircraft departed Carswell Air Force Base on a routine training mission over the Gulf of Mexico. During the flight, the airplane went out of control and crashed into the sea a few dozen miles off Matagorda Island. A small amount of debris was recovered several days later, but no trace of the eight crew members was found.
The crew list includes:
Pilot: Maj Frank M. Salavarria
Copilot: Lt William T. Causey
Radio navigator: Cpt Charles W. Roberts
Air gunner: M/Sgt Kermit C. Casey
Navigator: Lt Michael L. Carroll
Electronic warfare officer: Cpt John T. Pantilla
Additional crew: Cpt Thomas D. Childs and Maj Phillip F. Strine
Investigation
Due to the lack of evidence, the official investigation could not determine the exact cause of the accident. However, investigators did not rule out the assumption that the loss of control may have been caused by a stabilizer trim issue resulting from an electric bus failure.
Probable cause
The exact cause could not be determined, but it was assumed that the loss of control may have been the consequence of a stab trim issue caused by an electric bus failure.
What happened in the 29 Feb 1968 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident near Matagorda Island AFB, United States of America?
A U.S. Air Force training aircraft crashed into the Gulf of Mexico off Matagorda Island after departing Carswell AFB. All eight crew members remain unaccounted for. The exact cause is undetermined, but a possible stab trim issue was considered.
Were there any fatalities in the 29 Feb 1968 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 29 Feb 1968 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?
The exact cause could not be determined, but it was assumed that the loss of control may have been the consequence of a stab trim issue caused by an electric bus failure.
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