Beale AFB

The crew was dispatched at Beale AFB to follow a training program. Following several touch-and-go maneuvers, the crew started a new approach when the aircraft became unstable on final. The instructor allowed the pilot-in-command to continue the approach when the engine n°1 struck the runway surface, caught fire and exploded. Out of control, the airplane banked left and crashed, bursting into flames. All seven crew members were killed.

The crew was completing a night training mission at Beale AFB consisting of touch-and-goes. After touchdown, the airplane collided with cattle roaming on runway. Decision to abort was taken but unable to stop within the remaining distance, the airplane overran and came to rest in flames. All seven occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was destroyed. Five cattle were killed.

Just after liftoff at Beale AFB, while initial climb, the airplane went out of control and crashed inverted in a huge explosion. A crew member was seriously injured while all others were killed. Few days later, the only survivor died from his injuries. The airplane was engaged in a night training flight when the accident occurred.
Crew:
Cpt Paul L. Baldy, pilot,
Cpt Michael W. Forster, pilot,
Lt Neal D. Kaas, copilot,
Maj Toney V. Peter, navigator,
Cpt Lee F. Knudsen, EWO,
Cpt Thomas E. Cannon, navigator,
Sgt James M. Troutman, air gunner.