Accident Sequence
During the final approach of a practice flight, the aircraft descended too low and struck a metallic barrier. This impact caused the airplane to bank left, and the left wingtip subsequently hit the ground. The aircraft then crashed in flames in a field.
The single-engine aircraft came to rest several hundred yards east of a barrier that had been erected for short-field takeoff and landing practice. A post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft.
Occupants and Purpose
Both crew members were killed in the accident. The occupants were First Lieutenant James Lawrence Reed and one other crew member (unnamed). The flight was a rehearsal for an artillery and missile school demonstration scheduled to take place the following Saturday.