6 fatalities

Fatal Aircraft Crash at Loring AFB (56-3618)

Loring AFB, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On May 9, 1962, a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker (registration 56-3618) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Loring AFB, United States of America during takeoff. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the engine number two shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was heavily loaded at the time of the accident. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed and burned shortly after takeoff from Loring AFB, killing all six occupants. The official probable cause was an engine failure while the aircraft was heavily loaded.

Incident Overview and Outcome An aircraft experienced difficulties while climbing just after liftoff from Loring AFB. The left wing stalled and struck the ground, causing the aircraft to crash and burn approximately 2,500 feet past the runway end. All six occupants were killed in the accident. ## Official Probable Cause The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was the failure of engine number two shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was heavily loaded at the time of the accident, a condition noted in the official findings alongside the engine failure as the cause of the crash.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 May 1962 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident near Loring AFB, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed and burned shortly after takeoff from Loring AFB, killing all six occupants. The official probable cause was an engine failure while the aircraft was heavily loaded.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 May 1962 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 May 1962 involved a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, registration 56-3618, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Loring AFB, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the engine number two shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was heavily loaded at the time of the accident.