Incident
Shortly after taking off from Griffiss Air Force Base, the crew of a multi-engine bomber encountered technical problems with engines number 5 and 6, which overheated. The engines were apparently shut down, and the captain decided to return for a safe landing. The aircraft was vectored for an ILS approach to runway 15.
Loss of Control
While descending to an altitude of 2,000 feet, the airplane became unstable and went out of control. During this event, two of the crew members ejected from the aircraft.
Crash
The aircraft then crashed a few miles from the airbase and was destroyed. All six crew members who remained on board were killed.
Crew
According to the investigation, the crew consisted of:
- Maj Robert A. Richards, pilot
- 1st Lt William S. Fairhurst, copilot
- 1st Lt Sidney W. Glover, radar navigator
- Maj Lloyd D. Lassman, radar navigator
- Cpt Joe E. Turner, electronic warfare officer
- S/Sgt John Nealey Snyder, gunner
- S/Sgt Willard F. Walker, crew chief
- Sgt Gordon S. Flick, crew chief