On June 1, 1950, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (registration 45-21697) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Walker AFB (Roswell), United States of America in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew vacated the aircraft while it was still in flight, leading to an uncontrolled descent and subsequent 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.
A test flight ended in a crash approximately 19 km east southeast of Walker AFB, resulting in multiple fatalities.
What happened
During the course of a scheduled test flight, an unidentified aircraft type was involved in a fatal accident. While the aircraft was in operation, the crew members exited the plane, leaving it to continue its flight path autonomously. The abandoned airplane subsequently crashed at a location situated 19 km east southeast of Walker AFB.
Findings
The incident resulted in four fatalities among the personnel involved.
A total of three injuries were reported following the impact.
The primary factor leading to the crash was the abandonment of the aircraft by the crew during the flight phase.
Probable cause
The crew vacated the aircraft while it was still in flight, leading to an uncontrolled descent and subsequent crash.
What happened in the 1 Jun 1950 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident near Walker AFB (Roswell), United States of America?
A test flight ended in a crash approximately 19 km east southeast of Walker AFB, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Were there any fatalities in the 1 Jun 1950 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Jun 1950 involved a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, registration 45-21697, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Walker AFB (Roswell), United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The crew vacated the aircraft while it was still in flight, leading to an uncontrolled descent and subsequent crash.
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