1952 — Nov 6, USAF B-50 crash in gale near High Wood 2M W of Great Dunmow, Eng.–11

–11 AP. “U.S. Bomber Crashes in England; 11 Killed.” Evening Tribune, Albert Lea, MN. 11-7-1952, 1.
–11 ASN. USAF Boeing B-50 crash in gale, High Wood near Great Dunmow, England, 6Nov52
–11 Baugher. 1946-1948 USAAF-USAF Serial Numbers. June 7, 2023 revision.

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database:
“Date: 06-Nov-1952
“Time: c. 23:50
“Type: Boeing B-50D-90-BO Superfortress
“Owner/operator: ….49th BSqn / 2nd Bomb Wing, United States Air Force
“Registration: 48-091
“MSN: 15900
“Fatalities: Fatalities: 11 / Occupants: 11
“Other fatalities: 0
“Aircraft damage: written off (Damaged beyond repair)
“Location: High Wood, 2 miles west of Great Dunmow, Essex, England – UK
“Phase: En route
“Nature: Military
“Departure airport: RAF Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire
“Destination airport: RAF Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire
“Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources
“Narrative:

“The Boeing B-50D-90-BO Superfortress of 49thBomb Squadron, 2nd Bomb Wing, USAF, was returning to RAF Upper Heyford after a routine training flight when it encountered a gale and crashed into a field near High Wood, 2 miles west of Great Dunmow, Essex, possibly flying into ground after the pilots lost orientation. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all 11 crew members were killed. It was later reported that the airplane was carrying a load of ammunition that exploded for several hours, hampering the rescuers’ mission.

Baugher: “48-083/092….091 2/o 6 Nov 1952 crash in a gale 2 miles W. of Great Dunmow, England 11 crew killed…” (Baugher, Joseph. 1946-1948 USAAF-USAF Serial Numbers. June 7, 2023 revision.)

Newspaper

Nov 7, AP: “Dunmow England (AP) – A U.S. Air Force B50 Strato bomber with a crew of 11 crashed and burned late Thursday night, An Air Force spokesman said no survivors have been found. The plane was on a training flight from a base at Upper Heyford, almost 50 miles from here. The Air Force declined to discuss the bomber’s group number or home base in America until the next of kin of the dead had been notified.” (Associated Press. “U.S. Bomber Crashes in England; 11 Killed.” The Evening Tribune, Albert Lea, MN. 11-7-1952, p. 1.)

Sources

Associated Press. “U.S. Bomber Crashes in England; 11 Killed.” The Evening Tribune, Albert Lea, MN. 11-7-1952, p. 1. Accessed 6-30-2023 at:
https://newspaperarchive.com/albert-lea-evening-tribune-nov-07-1952-p-1/

ASN (Aviation Safety Network), Flight Safety Foundation, Database. USAF Boeing B-50D Superfortress crash in gale, High Wood near Great Dunmow, England, 6 Nov 1952. Accessed 6-30-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/150841

Baugher, Joseph. 1946-1948 USAAF-USAF Serial Numbers. June 7, 2023 revision. Accessed 6-30-2023 at: http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1946.html

Wikipedia. “RAF Upper Heyford.” 3-4-2023 edit. Accessed 6-30-2023 at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Upper_Heyford