Date:	Monday 14 December 1959
Time:
Type:	Boeing KC-97G Stratofreighter
Owner/operator:	United States Air Force - USAF
Registration:	53-0231
MSN:	17013
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 7
Aircraft damage:	Destroyed, written off
Category:	Accident
Location:	near Dow AFB, ME -   United States of America
Phase:	En route
Nature:	Military
Departure airport:	Springfield-Westover AFB, MA (CEF/KCEF)
Destination airport:	Springfield-Westover AFB, MA (CEF/KCEF)

Narrative:
The aircraft, assigned to the 384th AREFS, departed from Westover AFB on a refueling mission. The KC-97 collided with a B-52 during refueling at an altitude of about 15,000 feet. The aircraft lost the whole left horizontal stabilizer and elevator, the rudder was missing and the upper fourth of the vertical stabilizer. They made a no-flap, electrical power off landing at night at Dow AFB. Two crew members on the B-52 parachuted to safety. The plane remaining crew members continued to Springfield-Westover AFB, MA (CEF) where a safe landing was made.

Duane H. Delk, MSgt USAF Ret (E-mail 2-4-2007)
US Crashes 1950-2002 / Jan van Waarde

photo (c) Duane H. Delk collection; Dow AFB, ME; 14 December 1959

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