What happened
During a nighttime arrival at Geilenlykirchen NATO Air Base, an aircraft operating for the 141st Air Refueling Wing from Fairchild, Washington, crashed into a forested region. The mission involved aerial refueling operations over German airspace prior to the return flight. While performing the final approach, the crew attempted a go-around maneuver. During this transition, the aircraft experienced a significant pitch-up motion, reaching an angle of 7.5 degrees before entering a stall and impacting the ground.
The accident resulted in the total destruction of the KC-135 Stratotanker and caused four fatalities, with no survivors among the crew.
Findings
Investigations into the accident suggest that the loss of control was triggered by a mechanical failure involving the runway trim motor. This component failed during the approach phase, an issue that went undetected by the flight crew. When engine power was increased during the go-around attempt, the malfunctioning motor caused the aircraft to pitch upward uncontrollably. The specific reason for the runaway trim motor has not been determined.