The remains of “Balls 40”, B-52H-150-BW 60-0040, The Black Widow, at K.I. Sawyer AFB, Gwinn, Michigan, 6 December 1988. (U.S. Air Force)
4 thoughts on “Boeing B52H-150-BW Stratofortress 60-0040 crash”
I watched this plane explode in the air after touching down and the pwr up to go around. Its a day I will never forget. I heard the explosion then looked up to see it coming down on fire. As it hit I could see the fire ball going down the runway.And thinking I new the crew and praying they can make it out. I was happy to hear when they announced the crew dogs were alive. We spent Christmas in the hospital with them. I remember walking into the hanger where the plane laid to rest and the eire feeling. It was almost 25 years ago and I can remember it like yesterday.
I was the Crew Chief.. after the crash my assistant Chief and my self were read our Rights handcuffed and drug to the hospital for a drug test. We walked in seeing all our flight Crews family members crying and my commander said these two were the ones who preflighted the aircraft we need drug test’s. No one would tell us what was going on but hearing the explosion I had a sick feeling and was extremely upset about my Crew. I was placed in a room with a metal chain and one light integrated for hours and hours. I lost all respect for the officers and the senior enlisted in my Squadron and couldn’t wait until I could cross train out to become a Flight Engineer..I still have nightmares from this.
I watched this plane explode in the air after touching down and the pwr up to go around. Its a day I will never forget. I heard the explosion then looked up to see it coming down on fire. As it hit I could see the fire ball going down the runway.And thinking I new the crew and praying they can make it out. I was happy to hear when they announced the crew dogs were alive. We spent Christmas in the hospital with them. I remember walking into the hanger where the plane laid to rest and the eire feeling. It was almost 25 years ago and I can remember it like yesterday.
Thanks for the comment. That must have been quite an experience.
I was the Crew Chief.. after the crash my assistant Chief and my self were read our Rights handcuffed and drug to the hospital for a drug test. We walked in seeing all our flight Crews family members crying and my commander said these two were the ones who preflighted the aircraft we need drug test’s. No one would tell us what was going on but hearing the explosion I had a sick feeling and was extremely upset about my Crew. I was placed in a room with a metal chain and one light integrated for hours and hours. I lost all respect for the officers and the senior enlisted in my Squadron and couldn’t wait until I could cross train out to become a Flight Engineer..I still have nightmares from this.
Most unfortunate.