What happened
During a scheduled training mission departing from Carswell AFB, the crew of a B-52 experienced a mechanical emergency shortly after takeoff. While performing the initial climb phase, the flight crew notified ground controllers that an engine cowling had become detached from the aircraft. Following this notification, the crew received authorization to perform an immediate return to the airfield for an emergency landing.
Upon reaching the runway and making contact with the surface, the aircraft suffered a structural failure when one of the main landing gear assemblies collapsed. This failure caused the heavy bomber to lose directional control, leading it to veer off the runway. The impact resulted in the aircraft catching fire, which led to the deaths of seven crew members.
Findings
Investigations into the accident indicated that the aircraft was operating at an excessive weight during the landing sequence. It was determined that this high total weight contributed to the collapse of the undercarriage upon touchdown.