Overview
On 29 June 1964, two United States Air Force aircraft, a Douglas HC-54 (serial number 42-72590) from the 57th Air Rescue Squadron and a Boeing HC-97 (serial number 52-2773) from the 55th Air Rescue Squadron, collided in midair near Kindley Air Base, Bermuda. Both aircraft were destroyed, and there were no survivors.
Mission Background
The mission supported NASA's Gemini program, requiring the training of pararescue personnel in delivering and installing flotation collars on the Gemini space capsule. Personnel on temporary duty in Bermuda conducted water jumps as part of this training. Additionally, a requirement existed to produce a film about the pararescue mission. These two objectives were combined into a single mission.
Flight Details
The HC-97 departed at 11:05 local time, followed by the HC-54 at 11:10. Weather conditions included scattered clouds at 2,000 feet and 2,500 feet, visibility of 9 miles, and variable winds at 8 knots. Both aircraft arrived at the drop area and, due to cloud cover, elected to conduct the mission at 1,700 feet, below the clouds.
Each aircraft carried photographers and pararescuemen. Additionally, photographers were stationed on boats in the drop area to capture the exercise from the surface.
Maneuvers and Collision
The aircraft briefed and established proper positions. The first run had the HC-97 taking photographs while the HC-54, slightly forward and below, began deploying pararescuemen. Right-hand patterns were flown, with the sun behind the cameras and at angles that avoided showing land surface.
After several passes deploying pararescuemen from the HC-54, the aircraft swapped positions, placing the HC-54 slightly ahead, below, and to the left of the HC-97. Following one dry run in the right-hand pattern, two pararescuemen deployed from the HC-97. Seconds later, the two aircraft collided.
The HC-54 suddenly banked to the right, striking the HC-97 on its wing or midsection, sheering off both the wing and tail section. Both aircraft immediately plunged into the water. The three boats in the area initiated a search but found no survivors.
Investigation Findings
Investigators determined that the primary cause of the accident was undetermined. However, Air Force investigators concluded that the probable cause was an incapacitation of the HC-54 pilot. An autopsy revealed cardiovascular issues that may have caused acute chest pains.