1948 — Aug 12, USAF B-29 goes out of control on takeoff climb, crashes 6M S Roswell NM–13

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 22, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–13  Aviation Safety Network. USAF B-29 went out of control and crashed 6M S Roswell, NM.

–13  NFPA. “Large Loss Fires of 1948.” Quarterly of the [NFPA], 42/3, Jan 1949, p. 196.

–13  United Press. “13 Killed in B-29 Crash at Roswell.” Hobbs Daily Flare, NM, 8-14-1948, 1

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1948. USAF B-29, 8-12-1948:

“Date:                          Thursday 12 August 1948

“Time:                         night [about 11:30 pm according to Associated Press of August 13]

“Type:                         Boeing B-29 Superfortress

“Owner/operator:        United States Air Force (USAF)

“Registration:              44-86383

….

“Fatalities:                   Fatalities: 13 / Occupants: 21

….

“Location:                   6 mi S of Roswell, NM – USA

“Phase:                        Take off

“Nature:                       Military

“Departure airport:      Walker AFB, Roswell, New Mexico

“Destination airport:    Gander AFB, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada

“Narrative:

“Shortly after a night takeoff from and fire at Walker AFB, Roswell, New Mexico, while in initial climb, the aircraft went out of control and crashed in a huge explosion six miles south of the airfield. Eight crew members were injured while 13 others were killed. It was reported that the aircraft may have been overloaded.”

National Fire Protection Association. “Large Loss Fires of 1948.” Quarterly of the [NFPA]:

“Aug. 12  near Roswell, N.M.  U.S. Air Force B-29…Crash occurred soon after take-off from the Walker Air Base in open uninhabited country…13 killed.”

Newspaper

Aug 14, UP: “Roswell, N.M., Aug. 13 (UP) – Thirteen men were killed and eight injured late Thursday night when a B-29 Superfortress crashed and burned six miles south of the Walker Air Force Base near Roswell. Major C. J. Beck says that the crash occurred at 11:35 p.m. last night just after the big plane had taken off on a routine flight. Beck says that the plane didn’t gain much altitude before it plunged to the ground and burned. Thirteen of the 21 aboard died in the crash. The eight survivors have been taken to the base hospital. Beck says that the cause of the crash is not known yet. He adds that a board of officers is investigating the accident.

“One New Mexico Air Force man died in the crack up. Beck identifies him as M-Sgt. James L. Brewer of Roswell. Another Roswell Sergeant was seriously injured. He is Ernest Lay, who suffered multiple injuries. Hospital authorities expect him to live.” (United Press. “13 Killed in B-29 Crash at Roswell.” Hobbs Daily Flare, NM, 8-14-1948, p.1.)

Sources

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1948. USAF B-29 went out of control, crashed and exploded 6M S Roswell, NM, 12 Aug 1948. Accessed 9-22-2023 at:

https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/1060

National Fire Protection Association. “Large Loss Fires of 1948.” Quarterly of the National Fire Protection Association, Vol. 42, No. 3, January 1949, pp. 137-183.

United Press. “13 Killed in B-29 Crash at Roswell.” Hobbs Daily Flare, NM, 8-14-1948, p.1. Accessed 9-22-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hobbs-daily-flare-aug-14-1948-p-1/

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