6 fatalities

Mid-Air Collision Between KB-29M and Boeing B-50 Near Tucson (44-70024)

Comobabi, United States of AmericaFlight

On November 16, 1950, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (registration 44-70024) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Comobabi, United States of America in flight. 6 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

Two U.S. Air Force aircraft, a KB-29M tanker and a Boeing B-50, collided at 9,000 feet during missions from Davis-Monthan AFB, resulting in multiple casualties. Exact circumstances remain unclear.

Incident Overview

A KB-29M aircraft, on a refueling mission from Davis-Monthan AFB, collided with a USAF Boeing B-50 that was completing a training sortie from the same base. The collision occurred while both aircraft were cruising at an assigned altitude of 9,000 feet. Following the impact, both aircraft entered a dive and crashed in a desert area near Comobabi, approximately 50 miles west of Tucson, Arizona.

Aircraft and Crew

The KB-29M was carrying a crew of 10. The Boeing B-50 had a crew of 13. The exact circumstances leading to the collision have not been determined.

Casualties

On board the B-29 (KB-29M), six crew members were killed and four were injured. On board the B-50, seven crew members were killed and six were injured.

Investigation

Authorities have stated that the exact circumstances of the collision remain unclear.