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HERE
On October 16, 1984 at 3:46 PM, a Boeing B-52G (SWOON 52) operated by the 92nd BMW of the Strategic Air Command departed Fairchild Air Force Base, WA for a scheduled night T-3 Training Mission.
At 8:55 PM, while flying in and out of snow showers, the B-52's right wing and #4 engine pylon struck the north crest of Hunts Mesa on the Navajo Indian Reservation. The aircraft continued to travel on a 155 degree magnetic heading another 3,465 feet before it crashed onto a lower southern bluff of Hunts Mesa. On board the aircraft were:
Capt. Robert L. Keeney......Pilot
1st.Lt. Douglas J. Schwartz...Co-Pilot
Maj. Eugene J. Daspit......Radar Navigator
1st.Lt. Kenneth O. Portis.....Navigator
Capt. Sean M. Yeronick......Electronic Warfare Officer
Sgt. David W. Felix........Gunner
Col. William L. Ivy........Pilot/Safety Observer
After striking the mesa, the crew managed to eject from the aircraft with serious injuries. The exception being Sgt. David Felix whose parachute failed to deploy before ground contact and Col. William Ivy who was seated in the observers seat without the capability to eject or escape before the plane crashed. Both were killed in the accident.
The Boeing B-52G (57-6479) Call sign SWOON 52 departed Fairchild AFB at 3:46 PM for a night T-3 mission that would include air refueling, low level segments with two re-entries, and a high altitude navigation leg.
1968-1968, AC-47 Spooky/Puff
From Year 1968
To Year 1968
Personal Memories
Flew 196 combat missions.
Image
AC-47 Spooky/Puff Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
Specifications First flight Dec. 23, 1941 Model Number C-47/R4D Wingspan 95 feet 6 inches Wingarea: 987 Sq Ft Length 63 feet 9 inches Height 17 feet Service ceiling 24,000 feet Normal range 1,600 miles Maximum range 3,800 miles Empty Weight: 16,970 lbs Fully Loaded Weight: 33,000 lbs Cruise speed 160 mph Power plant Two 1,200 horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-1830 radial engines Accommodation Three crew and 6,000 pounds of cargo, or 28 airborne troops, or 14 stretcher patients and three attendants
