What happened
On March 18, 1953, an SB-29-70BW, registration 44-69982, operated by the 52nd Air Rescue Squadron, departed Ernest Harmon Air Force Base in Newfoundland. The mission was to locate a missing Convair RB-36H-25, 51-13721. After scouting the suspected crash site and confirming no survivors were present, the crew began their return flight to the base.
During the approach, the aircraft was under the direction of Ground Controlled Approach (GCA) services. While the pilot was being instructed on headings and altitude changes, a series of communication difficulties occurred. The GCA controller issued instructions for the aircraft to turn right to a heading of 30 degrees to prevent the radar return from being obscured by ground clutter. However, the pilot mistakenly acknowledged a different heading and eventually initiated a left turn. Following this maneuver, the aircraft briefly disappeared from radar before reappearing on the correct heading, but the crew ceased responding to further controller instructions.
At approximately 7:51 P.M., the SB-29 vanished from the radar scope while positioned over St. George's Bay. An eyewitness reported seeing a bright flash and hearing an explosion offshore around the same time. Extensive search operations involving aircraft, helicopters, and vessels recovered various debris, including fuel cells, an oxygen tank, and life raft components, but the primary wreckage was never located.
Findings
The investigation into the disappearance of 44-69982 revealed that the aircraft suffered significant structural damage upon impacting the water. The loss of all 10 crew members was confirmed following the discovery of debris and an oil slick, though the main wreckage and the remains of the crew were never recovered.