Collision of Two USAF B-52s in the South China Sea (57-0179)

Incident Overview and Location During a formation cruise over the South China Sea, two United States Air Force B-52 aircraft collided and crashed into the ocean. The incident occurred approximately 400 kilometers off the coast of Vietnam while the aircraft were completing a holding circuit and awaiting a KC-135 for refueling. The collision resulted in both aircraft being lost in the water. ## Casualties and Survivors The accident resulted in eight fatalities and nine survivors across the two aircraft. On board aircraft 57-0179, five crew members were killed, while six occupants were rescued. On board aircraft 57-0047, three crew members were killed, and three others were evacuated. The individuals who lost their lives in the incident were 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.