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7 fatalities

Night Training Mission Crash at Ramey AFB (58-0180)

Ramey AFB (Aguadilla), Puerto RicoLanding (descent or approach)

On February 1, 1960, a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress (registration 58-0180) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Ramey AFB (Aguadilla), Puerto Rico during landing or approach. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control due to an incorrect trim setting. 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

A night training mission at Ramey AFB in Aguadilla ended in disaster when the airplane lost control and crashed short of the runway. The aircraft was destroyed, killing all seven crew members. Investigation attributed the accident to an incorrect trim setting.

Accident

A local training mission at Ramey Air Force Base in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, ended in a crash during a night approach. The crew was practicing touch-and-go maneuvers when the airplane went out of control and crashed short of the runway. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact.

Crew

All seven crew members were killed. They were identified as:

  • Colonel Samuel G. Porterfield
  • Lieutenant Colonel Keith M. Garrison
  • Captain Nabor Mendez Pelegrina
  • First Lieutenant George G. Fetterer
  • Second Lieutenant Kent W. Slaughter
  • Captain Robert E. Howell
  • Master Sergeant William R. Hill

Investigation

The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. The finding was loss of control due to an incorrect trim setting.

Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same operator

More Boeing B-52 Stratofortress safety records →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Feb 1960 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident near Ramey AFB (Aguadilla), Puerto Rico?

A night training mission at Ramey AFB in Aguadilla ended in disaster when the airplane lost control and crashed short of the runway. The aircraft was destroyed, killing all seven crew members. Investigation attributed the accident to an incorrect trim setting.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Feb 1960 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 1 Feb 1960 involved a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, registration 58-0180, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Ramey AFB (Aguadilla), Puerto Rico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of control due to an incorrect trim setting.

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