Boeing B-29 Superfortress

Crashed in unknown circumstances into the Pacific Ocean about 140 miles southeast of Guam Island. Three crew members were killed while eight others were rescued.

Crashed on landing. No casualties.

Following an uneventful mission, the crew was returning to Kadena AFB, Okinawa, when on approach, he was unable to lower the undercarriage. After several trials, the crew decided to leave the area and went over the East China Sea to abandon the aircraft. After all crew members bailed out, the aircraft was shot down by the pilot of a Lockheed F-80C Shooting Star and crashed into the sea. All occupants were rescued.

The aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances into the North Sea, about 100 km northeast of RAF Sculthorpe, Norfolk, while on a maritime patrol flight. Two crew members were rescued while 11 others were killed.

On approach to Lajes, the aircraft suffered an engine failure, stalled and crashed. All 16 crew members were killed.

Three minutes after takeoff from runway 08 at Kirtland AFB, while in initial climb, the heavy bomber went out of control and crashed in a huge explosion on a mountain slope located near Sandia, about 5,7 miles east of the airbase. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all 13 crew members were killed. Detonators were installed in the bomb on board the aircraft. The bomb case was demolished ans some high explosive (HE) material burned in the gasoline fire. Other pieces of unburned HE were scattered throughout the wreckage. Four spare detonators in their carrying case were recovered undamaged. There were no contamination or recovery problems. The recovered components of the weapon were returned to the Atomic Energy Commission. Both the weapon and the capsule of nuclear material were on board the aircraft but the capsule was not inserted for safety reasons.

On final approach to Walker AFB, the heavy bomber went out of control and crashed in flames two miles south of the airbase. Seven crew members were killed while five others were injured.

The Boeing B-29-70-BW Superfortress registered 44-69939 was carrying a crew of 11 and was flying at an altitude of 26,000 feet. A second Boeing B-29-50-MO Superfortress registered 44-86364 was carrying a crew of 10 and was flying about 1,000 feet above when one of its engine failed. The aircraft lost height, cut the path of the first B-29 and both aircraft collided at FL260. Out of control, both aircraft dove into the ground and during the dive, two crew members in the first B-29 and one crewman in the second B-29 were able to bail out before both aircraft crashed in a prairie located some 11 miles northwest of Stockton. The three crewmen who were able to bail out were found unhurt while all 18 other occupants in both aircraft were killed.

The Boeing B-29-70-BW Superfortress registered 44-69939 was carrying a crew of 11 and was flying at an altitude of 26,000 feet. A second Boeing B-29-50-MO Superfortress registered 44-86364 was carrying a crew of 10 and was flying about 1,000 feet above when one of its engine failed. The aircraft lost height, cut the path of the first B-29 and both aircraft collided at FL260. Out of control, both aircraft dove into the ground and during the dive, two crew members in the first B-29 and one crewman in the second B-29 were able to bail out before both aircraft crashed in a prairie located some 11 miles northwest of Stockton. The three crewmen who were able to bail out were found unhurt while all 18 other occupants in both aircraft were killed.

The crew was performing a flight from Riverside, California, to the UK. En route over the Atlantic Ocean, the crew encountered engine problems and the captain decided to ditch the aircraft 385 miles northeast of Bermuda. Following the accident, 18 crewmen took refuge in dinghies while two others were drowned. About two days later, the crew of a USAF B-17 spotted the survivors who were eventually rescued and evacuated by the crew of the Canadian destroyer christened 'Haida' 72 hours after the accident. The aircraft was lost.