What happened
During a flight departing from Griffiss AFB, the crew of a B-52 experienced significant mechanical issues shortly after takeoff. While in the climb phase, engines number 5 and 6 began to overheat. In response to these technical difficulties, the engines were shut down. The captain initiated an emergency return to the airfield, and the aircraft was directed toward runway 15 via an ILS approach.
As the aircraft descended to approximately 2,000 feet, it became unstable and entered an uncontrollable state. During this period of instability, two crew members successfully ejected from the plane. However, the aircraft continued its descent and crashed a short distance from the airbase. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and six fatalities among the crew members who stayed with the plane.
Findings
- The primary sequence began with the overheating of two engines during the initial climb.
- Loss of aircraft stability during the descent led to the terminal flight path.