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1954 RB-36H Crash at Ellsworth Air Force Base (51-13722)

Ellsworth AFB, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On August 27, 1954, a Convair B-36 Peacemaker (registration 51-13722) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Ellsworth AFB, United States of America during landing or approach. 26 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Several factors contributed to the crash, including an estimated altimeter error of -160 to 270 feet, local terrain effects, and a miscalibrated Rapid City GCA radar that displayed the aircraft as 1/2 mile closer than it actually was, placing the glide slope… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

On August 27, 1954, RB-36H 51-13722 crashed at Ellsworth AFB during a GCA PPI approach. Altimeter and radar errors contributed to the accident, killing 24 of 27 occupants.

Flight Details and Crew Composition On August 27, 1954, an RB-36H with registration 51-13722 departed Ellsworth Air Force Base at 4:15 a.m. The aircraft belonged to the 77th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, 28th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. The flight crew included Lt Col Wray Cotterill, 1st Lt Roger Bumps, and Captain Neal Williams, along with 24 other personnel. The crew had recently returned from a 30-day leave, and Captain Williams had completed a 20-hour mission just 32 hours prior to the flight. The aircraft flew a route through Kansas City, Missouri; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Dallas, Texas, covering 3,594 air miles before returning to Ellsworth AFB.

Probable cause

Several factors contributed to the crash, including an estimated altimeter error of -160 to 270 feet, local terrain effects, and a miscalibrated Rapid City GCA radar that displayed the aircraft as 1/2 mile closer than it actually was, placing the glide slope 150 feet low.
Controlled flight into terrain

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