On March 13, 1972, a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker (registration 58-0048) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Carswell AFB (Fort Worth), United States of America during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost control and crashed after the right wing made contact with the runway during the landing sequence. 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 local training flight ended in a fatal crash at Carswell Air Force Base after the aircraft struck the runway during landing.
What happened
During a routine training mission conducted at Carswell AFB, an aircraft experienced a catastrophic loss of control while attempting to land. As the crew approached the runway for the final segment of the flight, the right wing of the plane descended suddenly and made contact with the runway surface.
This impact caused the aircraft to become uncontrollable. The plane subsequently cartwheeled across the area and crashed into a fire. The accident resulted in five fatalities among the crew members on board.
Findings
The incident occurred during the landing phase of flight.
The sequence of events began when the right wing struck the runway surface, leading to the loss of control.
Probable cause
The aircraft lost control and crashed after the right wing made contact with the runway during the landing sequence.
What happened in the 13 Mar 1972 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident near Carswell AFB (Fort Worth), United States of America?
A local training flight ended in a fatal crash at Carswell Air Force Base after the aircraft struck the runway during landing.
Were there any fatalities in the 13 Mar 1972 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Mar 1972 involved a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, registration 58-0048, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Carswell AFB (Fort Worth), United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft lost control and crashed after the right wing made contact with the runway during the landing sequence.
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