On January 17, 1966, a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker (registration 61-0273) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Palomares, Spain in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft collided with a USAF B-52 during an aerial refueling mission. 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 midair collision occurred between an aircraft and a USAF Boeing B-52 during a refueling mission, resulting in the loss of all four crew members.
What happened
During the execution of 'Operation Chrome Dome', a midair collision took place involving a United States Air Force Boeing B-52, registered 58-0256. The incident occurred while the aircraft was engaged in an aerial refueling mission. Following the impact, the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Palomares. The accident resulted in four fatalities, as there were no survivors among the crew members on board.
Findings
The collision took place during a specialized refueling operation known as 'Operation Chrome Dome'.
The crash occurred near the location of Palomares.
The primary factor in the accident was the midair collision between the participating aircraft.
Probable cause
The aircraft collided with a USAF B-52 during an aerial refueling mission.
What happened in the 17 Jan 1966 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident near Palomares, Spain?
A midair collision occurred between an aircraft and a USAF Boeing B-52 during a refueling mission, resulting in the loss of all four crew members.
Were there any fatalities in the 17 Jan 1966 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Jan 1966 involved a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, registration 61-0273, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Palomares, Spain.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft collided with a USAF B-52 during an aerial refueling mission.
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