28/08/2026
On this day, 50 years ago, 28 August 1976, Thorney, Cambridgeshire, UK.
A Lockheed C-141 Starlifter # 67-0006 crashed in a field about 30 miles from RAF Mildenhall during a severe thunderstorm.
It broke apart in midair after flying into a 100 mph vertical downdraft(microburst).
Original report showed 17 Souls on Board, but was upgraded when a 18th body was found, a last minute PAX was returning from emergency leave. There were no survivors.
As a memorial to those lost, we have a display within the Heritage Centre which includes part of the rear tail section of the stars and stripes.
In addition to the above, also on the 28 August 1976, but at Sonderstrom AB, Greenland.
Lockheed C-141 Starlifter # 67-0008 crash on the runway during an aborted go around on landing. The aircraft went into a nose up attitude prior to full power being added which caused it to stall.
There were 27 Souls on Board, only 4 survived, 1 crew and 3 PAX.
Both aircraft were based out of McGuire AFB, NJ
