After takeoff from Loring AFB, while in initial climb, the crew encountered serious technical problems. Two members of the crew ejected and abandoned the aircraft that crashed in a huge explosion some 2-3 miles north of the airbase. All seven crew members were killed. Unfortunately, the parachutes of those members who ejected opened too late. Crew: Maj Nils O. A. Oxehufwud, pilot, Cpt William N. Payne, copilot, Cpt Theodore A. Burbank, navigator, Maj Robert M. Murray, EWO, Lt Col Robert C. Smith, radio navigator, M/Sgt Earl J. Barnes, air gunner, Col Homer C. Bell Jr., observer.
Probable cause (official findings): The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, the assumption that the loss of control was the consequence of a total failure of all electrical power or an issue with the water injection system was not ruled out.