1951 — Nov 18, USAF B29 takeoff crash: crew OK; 3US/7 local rescuers killed by explos., Yokota, Japan–10

–10 Aviation Safety Network Database. USAF B-29, Yokota AB, Western Tokyo, 19 Nov 1951.
–10 Bureau of Aircraft Accident Archives. “Crash…B-29…Yokota AFB: 10 killed.”

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network Database:

“Narrative:

“Boeing B-29-40-MO Superfortress 44-86247… crashed while taking off from Yokota AB, Fussa, Tama Area, Western Tokyo, Japan, on an operational mission with a full complement of bombs. The aircraft had a maximum load of 500 pound demolition bombs and gasoline when it lost power. After an unsuccessful attempt was made to stop, the aircraft crashed at the end of the runway and burst into flame…. Shortly thereafter, the first of a series of four explosions occurred…

“Although all eleven of the crew members were rescued, ten base firefighters (3 US airmen and 7 Japanese nationals) lost their lives in this fiery crash. A memorial to the firefighters was re-dedicated in February 2011 after it was relocated to the new fire department facility at Yokota.”

Bureau of Aircraft Accident Archives:
“Sate & Time: Nov 18, 1951
“Type of aircraft: Boeing B-29 Superfortress
“Operator: USAF
“Registration: 44086247
“Flight Phase: Takeoff (climb)
“Flight Type: Bombing
‘Survivors: Yes
“Site: Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
“Schedule: Yokota – Yokota
“Location: Yokota AFB (Tokyo), Kanto
“Country: Japan
….
“Crew on board: 11
“Crew fatalities: 0
“Other fatalities: 10
“Circumstances:

“During the takeoff run, the pilot-in-command encountered an unexpected situation and decided to make an emergency braking procedure. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the heavy bomber overran and came to rest in flames. All eleven crew members were able to evacuate the cabin and were uninjured. Unfortunately, ten rescuers (3 Americans and 7 Japanese) were killed when the aircraft was destroyed by the explosions of several bombs stored on board.”

Sources

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation Database. USAF B-29, Yokota AB, Western Tokyo, 19 Nov 1951. Accessed 6-27-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/85141

Bureau of Aircraft Accident Archives. “Crash of a Boeing B-29-40-MO Superfortress in Yokota AFB: 10 killed.” Accessed 6-27-2023 at: https://www.baaa-acro.com/city/yokota-afb-tokyo?page=1