2 fatalities

USAF KC-135 Collision During Training Mission (63-7989)

Columbus-Rickenbacker (Lockbourne AFB), United States of AmericaTaxiing

On March 8, 1973, a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker (registration 63-7989) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Columbus-Rickenbacker (Lockbourne AFB), United States of America while taxiing. 2 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

A USAF KC-135 collided with another KC-135 (63-7980) while taxiing from an unlit ramp during a training mission. The aircraft burned after traveling 200 yards, killing two crew members and injuring three.

Incident Overview and Context The aircraft was operating on a training mission when the accident occurred. At the time of the event, it was taxiing from an unlit ramp toward the runway. During this movement, the aircraft collided with a second United States Air Force KC-135, which was registered 63-7980. ## Post-Collision Sequence Following the collision, the aircraft continued moving for approximately 200 yards. It then came to rest in a grassy area, where it was engulfed in flames. The fire partially destroyed the aircraft. ## Casualties The incident resulted in five crew members being affected. Three crew members sustained injuries, while two others were killed.