Incident Overview
Shortly after takeoff from Pope Air Force Base, a climbing aircraft suffered an engine failure. The airplane subsequently stalled and crashed into a mess hall at Fort Bragg, resulting in a massive explosion. The accident killed two crew members and five officers on the ground, while nine other people were injured, including four crew members.
Casualties
Fatalities:
- 1st Lt Albert W. Parks (pilot)
- A1c Rudolph Valentino Short
- Cpl Robert Dervan
- Cpl Donald F. Greenlee
- Pvt James A. Macre
- Cpl Osman S. Palmer
Injured:
- Cwo William Angeloff
- 1st Lt Raymond Fitzsimmons (copilot)
- Pvt Ralph E. Salisbury
- A1c Eugene R. Snyder
- Sgt Henry C. Clay
- Pfc William Cook
- Pfc Edward Ellison
- Edward A. Ross
- Cpt Charles L. Shirley
Official Cause
The probable cause, as stated in official findings, was engine failure during initial climb.