B-57 Crash 1955

[Tony Kambic]

I understand this is out of realm for WW2 Aviation. Does anyone have anything on this crash:

52-1563 Martin B-57B-MA

1955: USAF 766th BS (461st TBG).
Sep 8, 1955: Crashed while landing at Langley AFB, VA due to engine failure..

 

[muskeg13]

I understand this is out of realm for WW2 Aviation. Does anyone have anything on this crash:

52-1563 Martin B-57B-MA

1955: USAF 766th BS (461st TBG).
Sep 8, 1955: Crashed while landing at Langley AFB, VA due to engine failure..

Yes. My grandmother saw this plane crash. She was sitting in her south facing sun room sewing and saw it go down in the forest about 1/2 mile away across Semple Farm Road close behind Ebenezer Baptist Church. She said she thought it was going to hit her house. I explored the crash site in the late 60s or early 70s and remember seeing quite a bit of aluminum debris that was zinc chromate treated on the interior.

 

[daveT]

550908
Aircraft Type:	B-57B
Serial Number:	52-1563
Pilot:	Ables, C.W. Jr
Country:	USA - United States
State:	VA
Location:	Langley AFB, VA
AF:	_
Group:	461BG
Squadron:	766BS
Station:	Hill AFB, UT
Action Code:	CRLEF - CRash Landing Engine Failure
Damage Code:	4 - Destroyed/ Major overhaul mid 1944 and earlier
File Code:	55-09-08-003

 

[daveT]

full accident report available from AAIR or Air Force