What happened
A flight departing from Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, bound for McClellan Air Force Base, experienced mechanical difficulties shortly after takeoff. The crew of the Sabreliner reported issues regarding the aircraft's landing gear while climbing to an altitude of 23,000 feet.
During this period, a United States Air Force Boeing NKC-135, registered 55-3120, was transiting the area while traveling from Seattle to Kirtland Air Force Base with 18 people on board. In an attempt to assist, the crew of the larger aircraft positioned themselves to perform a visual inspection of the underside of the distressed plane.
During this maneuver, the Sabreliner struck the upper portion of the NKC-135's tail. The impact caused the smaller aircraft to lose control and enter a steep dive, culminating in a high-impact crash and explosion. This accident resulted in seven fatalities, leaving no survivors among the passengers or crew of the Sabreliner. The crew of the 55-3120 managed to maintain control of their aircraft and completed their flight to Kirtland Air Force Base safely.
Findings
Official investigations into the incident concluded that the specific circumstances leading to the mid-air contact could not be determined.