16 fatalities

Aircraft crash near Lajes following engine failure (44-69875)

Lajes, PortugalLanding (descent or approach)

On May 18, 1950, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (registration 44-69875) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Lajes, Portugal during landing or approach. 16 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine failed during the approach, causing the aircraft to stall and crash. 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

An aircraft crashed during its approach to Lajes after experiencing an engine malfunction and subsequent stall.

What happened

During the final approach phase toward Lajes, the aircraft experienced a critical loss of power due to an engine failure. This mechanical malfunction led to an aerodynamic stall, preventing the crew from maintaining controlled flight. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground.

All 16 individuals on board the aircraft perished in the accident. There were no survivors among the crew members present during the flight.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the primary factor leading to the loss of control was an engine failure. This failure triggered a stall, which ultimately resulted in the fatal impact.

Probable cause

The engine failed during the approach, causing the aircraft to stall and crash.