Vernam Field AFB | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

Shortly after a night takeoff from Vernam Field, the twin engine airplane struck trees and crashed in a wooded area. A passenger was killed while two other occupants were injured. The aircraft was destroyed.

Probable cause:

Collision with trees during initial climb. The following factors were reported:
- Premature liftoff,
- Takeoff from an unlighted runway by night,
- Yawed left into trees,
- Vast amount of ganja on board.

Final Report:

Crash of a Boeing B-29-55-BA Superfortress near Davis-Monthan AFB: 12 killed

Date & Time: Dec 16, 1947 at 1900 LT

Type of aircraft:

Boeing B-29 Superfortress

Operator:

Registration:

44-84036

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Davis-Monthan – Vernam Field

Location:

Davis-Monthan AFB

Arizona

Country:

United States of America

Region:

North America

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

Shortly after takeoff from Davis-Monthan AFB, while climbing, the airplane went out of control and crashed in a huge explosion 8 km southeast of the airbase. 12 crew members were killed and eight others were injured.
Crew:
Cpt Boonell P. Coachman, †
Cpt Haraold Rosenweig, †
1st Lt Lt JohnP. Priecko, †
1st Lt Thomas A. Feriazo, †
1st Lt Cedric A. Tooker, †
2nd Lt Walter Wigley, †
2nd Lt Gordon B. Odlorne, †
M/Sgt George C. Smith, †
M/Sgt Walter L. Tompor,
T/Sgt John A. Hays, †
S/Sgt Ernest L. Frazier, †
S/Sgt Willard C. Lambert,
S/Sgt Harold E. Andrews,
S/Sgt Brian J. Marcorelle,
Sgt John A. Woudall, †
Sgt Thomas E. Leonard,
Sgt Joseph E. Macis,
Cpl Paul M. Muench,
Pfc William D. Pretice.