What happened
During a "Chrome Dome" airborne alert mission monitoring the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System (BMEWS) near Thule Air Base, Greenland, a B-52 experienced a critical emergency. An internal fire, originating from a malfunctioning heater, led to a total loss of electrical power within the aircraft.
As the situation escalated, most members of the crew successfully ejected from the plane. However, one crew member died while attempting to exit through a hatch during the bailout process. Following the loss of control, the aircraft descended into the ice sea near Thule Air Base.
Upon impact with the frozen surface, the high explosives contained within four thermonuclear weapons detonated. While this impact did not trigger a nuclear fission or fusion explosion, it did result in significant radioactive contamination of the surrounding environment. In response to the incident, authorities initiated Operation Crested Ice to manage the cleanup of the contaminated snow and ice.
Findings
- The primary driver of the emergency was an electrical short-circuit within a heater unit.
- The fire caused a complete failure of the aircraft's electrical systems.
- The crash resulted in one fatality and several injuries among the crew members.