FlightFinder
Check my flight
7 fatalities

Seven Crew Members Killed in Aircraft Crash After Takeoff from Loring AFB (58-0215)

Loring AFB, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On September 4, 1969, a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress (registration 58-0215) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Loring AFB, United States of America during takeoff. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 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. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed in a huge explosion 2-3 miles north of Loring AFB after takeoff, killing all seven crew members. Two ejected but their parachutes opened too late. The cause remains undetermined.

Accident

Shortly after takeoff from Loring Air Force Base (AFB), while in the initial climb, the crew of an aircraft encountered serious technical problems. Two members of the crew ejected and abandoned the aircraft, which subsequently crashed in a huge explosion approximately 2 to 3 miles north of the airbase. All seven crew members were killed. The parachutes of those who ejected opened too late.

Crew

The crew consisted of:

  • Major Nils O. A. Oxehufwud, pilot
  • Captain William N. Payne, copilot
  • Captain Theodore A. Burbank, navigator
  • Major Robert M. Murray, electronic warfare officer
  • Lieutenant Colonel Robert C. Smith, radio navigator
  • Master Sergeant Earl J. Barnes, air gunner
  • Colonel Homer C. Bell Jr., observer

Investigation

The official investigation into the accident determined that the exact cause could not be established with certainty. However, investigators did not rule out 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.

Probable cause

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.

Related events

Same operator

More Boeing B-52 Stratofortress safety records →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Sept 1969 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident near Loring AFB, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed in a huge explosion 2-3 miles north of Loring AFB after takeoff, killing all seven crew members. Two ejected but their parachutes opened too late. The cause remains undetermined.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Sept 1969 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Sept 1969 involved a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, registration 58-0215, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Loring AFB, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

More accident analyses