Midair collision involving KC-135 during Operation Chrome Dome

4 fatalities • Palomares, Spain • Flight

A midair collision between two aircraft during a refueling mission near Palomares resulted in the loss of four crew members and the dispersal of nuclear weapons.

What happened

During the execution of 'Operation Chrome Dome', a midair collision occurred involving a KC-135 Stratotanker, registered 61-0273. The incident took place while the aircraft was engaged in an aerial refueling maneuver. Following the impact, the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Palomares. The accident resulted in four fatalities among the seven crew members on board.

In addition to the loss of life, the crash led to a significant secondary event involving the aircraft's payload. Four nuclear weapons were released from the wreckage during the descent. One of these weapons eventually entered the Mediterranean Sea approximately two and a half months after the initial collision.

Findings

The collision occurred during an active refueling mission.
The impact between the aircraft and the USAF KC-135 led to the uncontrolled release of nuclear ordnance.

Probable cause

A midair collision occurred during a scheduled aerial refueling operation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1966-01-17 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident near Palomares, Spain?

A midair collision between two aircraft during a refueling mission near Palomares resulted in the loss of four crew members and the dispersal of nuclear weapons.

Were there any fatalities in the 1966-01-17 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1966-01-17 involved a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, registration 58-0256, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Palomares, Spain.

What was the probable cause of the accident?