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Midair Collision Over Chesapeake Bay Claims Six USAF Airmen (44-34111)

Langley AFB (Hampton), United States of AmericaFlight

On July 28, 1950, a Douglas A-26 Invader (registration 44-34111) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Langley AFB (Hampton), United States of America in flight. 3 people were killed. 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

Two USAF aircraft collided over Chesapeake Bay during a training flight from Langley AFB, killing all six crew members. The twin-engine aircraft and a Douglas A-26 Invader (44-34111) crashed into the bay.

Collision

A training mission from Langley Air Force Base ended in tragedy when two aircraft collided over the Chesapeake Bay. The crew was conducting local training when the twin-engine aircraft struck a second USAF Douglas A-26 Invader, bearing registration 44-34111 and carrying three crew members.

Crash

Following the collision, both aircraft entered a dive and crashed into the bay approximately ten miles east of Langley AFB. Neither aircraft survived the impact.

Casualties

All six crew members perished. The lost airmen were:

  • Captain Robert MacCombs
  • First Lieutenant Otis Jones
  • Master Sergeant Harley Brunner
  • Technical Sergeant Samuel Sartain
  • Cadet Thomas Miller
  • Cadet John Harker

Both aircraft were destroyed in the accident.

Midair collision

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