1961 Goldsboro B-52 crash (nonfiction)

One of the Mk 39 nuclear weapons at Goldsboro, largely intact, with its parachute still attached.

The 1961 Goldsboro B-52 crash was an nuclear weapons accident that occurred in Goldsboro, North Carolina, on January 24, 1961.

A B-52 Stratofortress carrying two 3-4 megaton Mark 39 nuclear bombs broke up in mid-air, dropping its nuclear payload in the process.

The pilot in command ordered the crew to eject at 9,000 feet (2,700 m). Five men successfully ejected or bailed out of the aircraft and landed safely. Another ejected but did not survive the landing, and two died in the crash.

Information newly declassified in 2013 showed that one of the bombs came very close to detonating.

Nonfiction cross-reference

External links:

• 1961 Goldsboro B-52 crash @ Wikipedia