Midair Collision of Two USAF KC-135A Stratotankers Near Bermuda (61-0319)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On a routine refueling mission, a Boeing B-47 was involved in an uneventful operation before the associated Stratotanker returned to its base at Homestead, south Florida, approximately 1,125 km from its position. The aircraft involved in the incident was a USAF Boeing KC-135A-BN Stratotanker registered 61-0322, carrying a crew of five. It was flying alongside a second KC-135, with the first aircraft at an altitude of 36,000 feet and the second following at 35,500 feet. ## Collision and Search Operations During the flight, both aircraft entered a low-pressure area and apparently collided. All contact with the aircraft was lost at 1230LT. Search and rescue operations were subsequently conducted, and some debris was discovered a day later approximately 480 km west of Bermuda. All 11 crew members aboard the two aircraft were killed in the incident. ## Official Findings The official investigation concluded that due to a lack of evidence, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, it was believed that both Stratotankers collided in flight, possibly following a loss of speed and altitude from the first aircraft after it encountered downdrafts or atmospheric turbulence.