Incident Overview
While cruising over the South China Sea in formation with a second USAF B-52, the aircraft was completing a holding circuit awaiting a KC-135 for refueling. During this maneuver, both aircraft collided and crashed into the South China Sea approximately 400 km off the coast of Vietnam.
Casualties and Rescue
On board aircraft 57-0179, five crew members were killed while six occupants were rescued. On board 57-0047, three crew members were killed while three others were evacuated. The fatalities were identified as: 1st Lt James A. Marshall, Maj James M. Gehrig Jr., Cpt Tyrrell G. Lowry, Cpt Robert L. Armond, M/Sgt Harold J. Roberts Jr., Cpt Frank P. Watson, Cpt Joe Carrol Robertson, and T/Sgt William Edward Neville.
Aircraft Information
The two aircraft involved were USAF B-52 Stratofortress bombers, with registrations 57-0179 and 57-0047. Both were destroyed in the collision and subsequent crash.