Ellington AFB (Houston)

The crew was completing a flight from Odessa to Ellington Field, near Houston. After takeoff from runway 16, while in initial climb, the twin engine airplane collided with a poweline located about 270 metres past the runway end. The airplane descended to the right and crashed onto a garage located 150 metres further, bursting into flames. The airplane was totally destroyed and both occupants were killed.

The 641-hour private pilot and passenger were departing on a 155-nautical mile night cross country flight. Shortly after the airplane took off, the tower controller heard a weak transmission that she could not completely understand, but did hear the words "engine" and "power." The controller asked the pilot to "say again", but there was no response. She again asked, "say again" and the pilot transmitted, " I'm going down." There were no further communications from the pilot. While approximately 400 feet above ground level, the airplane's engine stopped producing power. While in a left turn, the left wingtip impacted the ground and the airplane cartwheeled. The debris field encompassed an area approximately 125 feet long and approximately 50 feet wide. Witness reports of the airplane's flight path along with the wreckage distribution path were consistent with the pilot's attempt to return to the airport. A post-impact fire consumed the fuselage and caused extensive thermal damage to the engine and wings. An examination of the wreckage revealed the landing gear and wing spoilers were in the retracted position. The position of the flaps could not be determined. No mechanical deficiencies were noted with the airframe that could have prevented normal operations. Examination of the engine revealed no preimpact anomalies. The reason for loss of engine power could not be determined.

After takeoff from Ellington AFB, while climbing, the crew informed ATC about technical problems with the right engine and elected to return for an emergency landing. The captain realized this was not possible and attempted an emergency landing along the I-45 highway. The airplane belly landed and slid for several yards before coming to rest. While both pilots escaped uninjured, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash landed for unknown reason. There were no casualties.

On final approach to Ellington AFB, an engine failed. The aircraft belly landed one mile short of runway and came to rest in a field. There were no casualties but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Following unknown technical problems, the crew was forced to attempt an emergency landing in a field located near the Ellington AFB. While there were no casualties, the aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire.

While on a local training exercise at Ellington AFB, the twin engine airplane suffered a midair collision and crashed. Both crew members were killed.
Crew:
2nd Lt Jack A. Wheeler,
Avc Carlton P. Wilkins.

The twin engine airplane crashed in unknown circumstances at Ellington AFB while engaged in a local training mission. At least one crew member was killed.
Crew:
Cpt Stephen R. Batson Jr., pilot.

While performing a local training flight at Ellington AFB, the airplane collided with a second USAAF Wichita registered 41-26260. This airplane was able to make an emergency landing and was damaged while 41-9408 crashed near the airbase and was destroyed. The pilot was killed.
Crew:
Avc Donald M. Cunningham.

The airplane crashed on landing and was damaged beyond repair. There were no fatalities.