1 fatality

Offutt AFB Takeoff Accident (59-1465)

Offutt AFB (Bellevue), United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On July 17, 1967, a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker (registration 59-1465) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Offutt AFB (Bellevue), United States of America during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command started the rotation prematurely while the aircraft's speed was insufficient. 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 in flames about a mile past the runway end at Offutt AFB after failing to gain height. One crew member was killed, four were injured, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Incident Overview and Outcome During takeoff from Offutt AFB, the aircraft experienced difficulty gaining altitude. It subsequently stalled and crashed in flames approximately one mile beyond the end of the runway. The accident resulted in the death of one crew member and injuries to four others. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash. ## Official Probable Cause The investigation determined that the pilot-in-command initiated the rotation prematurely while the aircraft's speed was insufficient for safe takeoff performance. This premature action contributed to the stall and subsequent crash.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Jul 1967 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident near Offutt AFB (Bellevue), United States of America?

An aircraft crashed in flames about a mile past the runway end at Offutt AFB after failing to gain height. One crew member was killed, four were injured, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Jul 1967 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Jul 1967 involved a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, registration 59-1465, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Offutt AFB (Bellevue), United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot-in-command started the rotation prematurely while the aircraft's speed was insufficient.