Overview
On a Red Flag mission, a United States Air Force aircraft departed Robins Air Force Base bound for California. The aircraft carried seven crew members: Captain Donald W. Hiebert (pilot), First Lieutenant Thomas C. Lennep Jr. (copilot), Captain Jonathan M. Bishop (radio navigator), First Lieutenant Matthew W. Cervenak (navigator), First Lieutenant Bernard S. Russell (electronic warfare officer), Colonel Caroll D. Gunther (pilot observer), and Staff Sergeant Major Carter (air gunner).
Flight Details
En route to its destination, the aircraft deviated from its prescribed flight path on multiple occasions. An AWACS crew provided assistance and reoriented the aircraft. While cruising over Utah in conditions of poor visibility, the crew failed to recognize that the aircraft's altitude was insufficient for the terrain.
Accident
The aircraft struck the slope of Mount Square Top, located nine kilometers northwest of Gunlop. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate. All seven crew members aboard were killed.
Probable Cause
Official findings attributed the accident to a navigation error on the part of the crew.