Accident Overview
A heavy bomber engaged in a training mission from Biggs Army Airfield in El Paso, Texas, crashed under night conditions with light rain. The aircraft went out of control and entered a dive. Three crew members successfully bailed out and were found alive, while a fourth crew member was discovered seriously wounded in the wreckage. The remaining 13 occupants were killed.
Crew and Occupants
The crew included Maj John M. Wirt, Capt Keith B. Wright, Maj Park B. Herrick, M/Sgt Charles M. Ford, A2c Daniel A. Baca, M/Sgt Clarence Foster, A2c Eddie L. Wynne, M/Sgt Junior Townsend, Capt Otto Robinson, 1st Lt John T. Vaughn, M/Sgt Howard J. Hansen, A2c Williams S. Myers, 1st Lt John Swisher, T/Sgt Natividad Vasquez, S/Sgt Joseph E. Wittens, A1c John B. Patton, and Sgt Frank M. Imely. All 13 of those marked with a dagger (†) were killed.
Crash Location
The aircraft crashed in a field approximately three miles southeast of Willows.