Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (2024)

Type of aircraft:

Registration:

59-1452

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Geilenkirchen - Geilenkirchen

MSN:

17940

YOM:

1960

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

4

Pax on board:

Total fatalities:

4

Circ*mstances:

The aircraft was returning to Geilenkirchen NATO AFB following a refueling mission over Germany on behalf of the 141st Air Refueling Wing in Fairchild, WA. On final approach by night, the crew apparently initiated a go-around procedure when the aircraft pitched up to an angle of 7,5°, stalled and crashed in a wooded area. The aircraft was destroyed and all four occupants were killed.

Probable cause:

It is believed that the loss of control occurred after the runway trim motor failed on approach which was unnoticed by the crew, causing the aircraft to nose up when power was applied. The cause of the runaway motor remains unknown.

Type of aircraft:

Registration:

63-8053

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Pope - Pope

MSN:

18701

YOM:

1964

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

11

Pax on board:

Total fatalities:

Circ*mstances:

The crew was completing a local training flight at Pope AFB. For unknown reasons, the aircraft landed very hard, causing the nose gear to collapse. The aircraft was stopped on the runway and all 11 occupants escaped uninjured. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Type of aircraft:

Registration:

62-3584

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Pope AFB - Pope AFB

MSN:

18567

YOM:

1963

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

3

Pax on board:

11

Total fatalities:

Circ*mstances:

The crew was completing a local training flight at Pope AFB. Apparently following a wrong approach configuration, the aircraft landed too far down the runway and was unable to stop within the remaining distance. It overran, lost its undercarriage and came to rest, broken in two. All 14 occupants were injured.

Type of aircraft:

Registration:

59-1494

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

MSN:

17982

YOM:

1960

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

2

Pax on board:

Total fatalities:

Circ*mstances:

While parked at Pease AFB and under maintenance, the aircraft suffered several explosions and caught fire. Two mechanics evacuated safely and the aircraft was destroyed by fire. It is believed the aircraft caught fire as it was being prepared for refueling and had a little fuel on board.

Type of aircraft:

Registration:

56-3592

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Loring - Loring

MSN:

17341

YOM:

1957

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

4

Pax on board:

Total fatalities:

4

Circ*mstances:

The crew departed Loring AFB on a training flight. While cruising by night along the US-Canada border, the aircraft suffered an explosion, entered a dive and crashed in an open field located in Carlingford, New Brunswick. The aircraft was destroyed and all four crew members were killed.

Probable cause:

A fuel pump go dry and ignited fuel vapor after becoming overheated. Fifth KC-135 accident due to similar causes. At least 1,500 liters of fuel must remain in all tanks to avoid fuel pump overheating.

Type of aircraft:

Registration:

57-1481

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Eielson - Eielson

MSN:

17552

YOM:

1958

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

7

Pax on board:

Total fatalities:

2

Circ*mstances:

Following an uneventful refueling mission, the crew returned to Eielson AFB. After landing, the aircraft was parked on the apron and when the crew shut down the engine, an explosion occurred. The aircraft was totally destroyed by fire and two crew members were killed while five others were rescued.

Probable cause:

It was determined that a fuel pump overheated, causing an explosion after contacting fuel vapor.