Accident
A training aircraft crashed at Beale Air Force Base shortly after liftoff during a night training mission. The airplane went out of control while climbing initially and crashed inverted, causing a massive explosion. All crew members except one were killed. The sole survivor sustained serious injuries and died several days later.
Crew
The aircraft was crewed by Captain Paul L. Baldy, pilot; Captain Michael W. Forster, pilot; Lieutenant Neal D. Kaas, copilot; Major Toney V. Peter, navigator; Captain Lee F. Knudsen, electronic warfare officer; Captain Thomas E. Cannon, navigator; and Sergeant James M. Troutman, air gunner.
Investigation
The official investigation concluded that the probable cause of the accident was loss of control during takeoff following a multiple engine failure for an undetermined reason.