Accident Sequence
On final approach to Kirtland Air Force Base, the crew encountered strong crosswinds gusting up to 35 knots. As the aircraft passed over the runway 08 threshold at an altitude of 200 feet, it banked to the right, causing engine number six to strike the runway surface. The impact seriously damaged the engine and ignited a fire. The pilot in command attempted a go-around, but the aircraft nosed down and crashed in a large explosion.
Casualties
The accident resulted in two passengers being seriously injured and 23 other occupants killed. The deceased include crew members: Major Edward L. Warner Jr. (pilot), Captain Grant H. Fenn (pilot), Captain Albert J. Gregg Jr. (navigator), Captain George W. Lee (radar observer), 1st Lieutenant Mitchell J. Buckalew (flight engineer), Sergeant Kenneth R. Cota (radio operator), Staff Sergeant Arthur I. Botten (senior gunner), Staff Sergeant Robert A. Baker (senior gunner), and 1st Lieutenant John L. Corley (flight engineer). Passengers killed were: Captain Fred M. Mitchem, Staff Sergeant Thomas C. Gustavson, Sergeant Henry C. Dox, Staff Sergeant Estill Myrick, Sergeant Lloyd L. Goolsby, Staff Sergeant Dale F. Curtis, Sergeant George F. Soroe Jr., Master Sergeant John Ritz, Technical Sergeant John T. Thompson, Staff Sergeant James Margoee, Sergeant Charles E. Linn, Sergeant Berry Hays, Corporal Wilfred S. Leclair Jr., Private First Class William J. Powers, and Corporal Richard N. Fogwell. Staff Sergeant Jack E. Erickson was among the survivors.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that strong crosswinds gusting up to 35 knots were present during the approach. The approach configuration was improper, and the pilot in command's reaction was excessive, causing the aircraft to bank right.