1962 — May 9, USAF KC-135A Stratotanker Engine Failure, Crash, Loring, AFB, ME– 6

— 6 AP. “Six Die As Jet Burns in Maine.” Biddeford Saco Journal, ME. 5-9-1962, p. 1, col. 8.
— 6 Aviation Safety Network. USAF KC-135A Stratotanker takeoff crash, Loring AFB, ME.
— 6 Baugher, Joseph F. 1956 USAF Serial Numbers (56-957/6956). 1-4-2012 revision.

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network: “The no. 2 engine failed on takeoff. The tanker became airborne but failed to gain height. The left wing contacted the ground and the airplane crashed.”

Baugher: “Boeing KC-135A-BN Stratotanker….3618 suffered engine failure and crashed May 9, 1962 during heavy-weight takeoff at Loring AFB, ME. All 6 onboard killed.” (Baugher, Joseph F. 1956 USAF Serial Numbers (56-957/6956). 1-4-2012 revision.)

Newspaper

May 9, AP: “Limestone (AP) – An Air Force KC-135 jet tanker plane carrying six men crashed and burned on takeoff early today at Loring Air Force Base. Air Force public information officers reported all six bodies were recovered. The tanker normally carries a four-man crew. The fire started by the crash was reported under control.

“KC-135 tankers have fuel-carrying capacity of 31,200 pounds or about 15½ tons.

“The big plane, which costs $3.5 million each, came down at 1:20 a.m., EDT, in a wooded area 1,500 feet north of the end of the runway.

“The aircraft was attached to the 42nd Air Refueling Squadron at Loring and was on a routine refueling mission.

“The rough terrain made it difficult for firefighting equipment to reach the scene, a public information officer said.” (Associated Press. “Six Die As Jet Burns in Maine.” Biddeford Saco Journal, ME. 5-9-1962, p. 1, col. 8.)

Sources

Associated Press. “Six Die As Jet Burns in Maine.” Biddeford Saco Journal, ME. 5-9-1962, p. 1, col. 8. Accessed 10-1-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/biddeford-saco-journal-may-09-1962-p-1/

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation. USAF KC-135A Stratotanker takeoff crash, 9May1962, Loring AFB, ME. Accessed 10-1-2022 at: https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19620509-0

Baugher, Joseph F. 1956 USAF Serial Numbers (56-957/6956). 1-4-2012 revision. Accessed 2-21-2012 at: http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1956_2.html