1958 — Jan 15 Anderson AFB, Guam USAF Weather WB50 lost, Typhoon Ophelia –all 10

— 10 Baugher. 1949 USAF Serial Numbers. 8-17-2011 revision.
— 10 Pacific Stars and Stripes. “Faint SOS Heard; WB-50 Search Continues.” 1-18-1958, 1.
— 10 Salt Lake Tribune, UT. “Plane Vanishes in Guam Storm.” 1-16-1958, p. 1.

Narrative Information

Baugher: “Boeing B-50D-115-BO Superfortress….295 converted to WB-50D weather recon aircraft. Assigned to 54th WRS at Andersen AFB, Guam. Disappeared on mission into Typhoon Ophelia Jan 15, 1958. 10 on board missing.” (Baugher. 1949 USAF Serial Numbers. 8-17-2011.)

Newspaper

Jan 15, Associated Press: “Guam, Jan. 15 – (AP) — An Air Force Typhoon reconnaissance plane with 10 men aboard is missing in Typhoon’ Ophelia about 500 miles west of Guam.

“The Air Force said the plane last reported its position at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night at a point near the eye of the storm and its 145-mile-an-hour winds. It has been overdue since 9:50 a.m. Thursday.

“A plane from the 79th Air Rescue Squadron flew to the area Thursday but its crew reported the winds could not be penetrated. The search plane remained in the vicinity four hours trying vainly for a radio contact with the plane. Radar-equipped Constellation planes were assigned to the search. Navy officials said the last message from the reconnaissance plane gave no hint of any trouble.” (Salt Lake Tribune, UT. “Plane Vanishes in Guam Storm.” 1-16-1958, p. 1.)

Sources

Baugher, Joseph F. 1949 USAF Serial Numbers. Aug 17 2011 revision. Accessed at: http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1949.html

Pacific Stars and Stripes. “Faint SOS Heard; WB-50 Search Continues.” 1-18-1958, p.1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com

Salt Lake Tribune, UT. “Plane Vanishes [USAF WB-50] in Guam Storm.” 1-16-1958, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=99676639