What happened
During a scheduled training operation departing from Walker AFB, the aircraft encountered severe meteorological conditions characterized by thunderstorm activity and intense turbulence. As the flight progressed, the structural integrity of the plane was compromised when wing panels were stripped from the airframe. Following this mechanical failure, the aircraft became uncontrollable and descended in a flat attitude.
The wreckage was located in a desert area situated approximately 18.5 miles southwest of Sterling City. The impact resulted in 15 fatalities, with no survivors reported among the crew members.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor leading to the crash was the loss of control of the aircraft. This loss of control was directly triggered by heavy turbulence encountered within the thunderstorm cells during the mission.