8 fatalities

Training Flight Crashes During Night Approach at Sawyer AFB (60-0039)

Kenneth Ingalls Sawyer AFB, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 1, 1977, a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress (registration 60-0039) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Kenneth Ingalls Sawyer AFB, United States of America during landing or approach. 8 people were killed. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A training flight at Kenneth Ingalls Sawyer AFB crashed during a stormy night approach after entering clouds. The aircraft was destroyed, killing all eight crew members.

Incident Summary

A United States Air Force aircraft conducting a local training mission at Kenneth Ingalls Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan crashed during a night approach in stormy weather. The pilot-in-command had the runway in sight when the airplane entered a cloudy area. It continued its descent until striking the ground and erupting in flames. The aircraft was totally destroyed, and all eight crew members were killed.

Crew

The crew consisted of Captain James B. Cosgrave (pilot), First Lieutenant Gary Lee Hudson (copilot), Captain Lawrence Fitch Kraut (radio navigator), Captain Dennis Wilton Soerens (radio navigator), Major James F. Bartsch (electronic warfare officer), Master Sergeant John William Moore (tail gunner), and Captains Chris Morrill and Pat Shortell (additional crew members).