What happened
During an early morning training mission, a formation of five aircraft departed from George Air Force Base. The intended flight path included stops at Winslow, Phoenix, and Blyton before returning to the departure point. While the group was in the cruise phase of flight, a collision occurred between two members of the formation.
An error by a crew member on one of the aircraft led to that individual leaving their assigned position. This movement caused the aircraft to strike the top of the B-26 Invader bearing registration 41-39310. Following the impact, the aircraft lost control and entered a steep dive, ultimately crashing into a mountainous desert region within the Old Dad Mountains, located inside the Mojave National Preserve. The accident resulted in two fatalities, as both crew members on board the stricken aircraft were killed.
One of the other aircraft involved in the formation managed to complete the flight and land safely, though it did so with one engine non-functional following the incident.
Findings
- The collision was initiated when a crew member failed to maintain their designated position during the cruise phase of the mission.