Fatal NASA T-38 Crash at McDonnell Aircraft Factory

February 28th, 1966

February 28th, 1966

Fatal NASA T-38 Crash at McDonnell Aircraft Factory
How Long Ago?

59 years, 15 days ago

Location

St. Louis, Missouri, United States

Category

Accidents & Tragedies

People
  • Elliot See
  • Charles Bassett
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Fatal NASA T-38 Crash at McDonnell Aircraft Factory

A NASA T-38 Talon crashed into the McDonnell Aircraft factory while attempting a landing at Lambert Field in St. Louis under poor visibility conditions. The aircraft was carrying astronauts Elliot See and Charles Bassett, who both lost their lives in the incident. The crash occurred during a routine training flight that was complicated by heavy fog and reduced visibility.

T-38 Talon crashed during a training flight.

Visibility was severely reduced due to fog.

Both astronauts lost their lives in the accident.

The crash prompted a review of flight safety protocols.

What Happened?

On a foggy day in St. Louis, a NASA T-38 Talon, a jet used for astronaut training, was approaching Lambert Field. Astronauts Elliot See and Charles Bassett were aboard, preparing to land after a training exercise. As they approached the airfield, they encountered severely restricted visibility. Despite their extensive flying experience, the landing proved to be perilous due to the challenging weather conditions. In an unfortunate miscalculation, the aircraft struck the McDonnell Aircraft factory, resulting in a catastrophic crash.

The T-38, known for its agility and speed, was a favorite among NASA pilots for preparing astronauts for flight. However, on this particular flight, the combination of fog and poor situational awareness led to the tragic outcome. Both astronauts were killed instantly in the crash. The incident shook the NASA community and raised questions about flight safety and cockpit visibility during difficult landing conditions.

In the aftermath of the crash, investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident were conducted, highlighting the importance of strict adherence to flight protocols and the need for improved training in adverse weather situations. The event marked a significant moment in the training realm of NASA's space program as it underscored the perils astronauts faced even in preparation for their historic missions.

Why Does it Matter?

The crash of the T-38 Talon became a critical learning point for NASA and its approach to astronaut training and flight safety. The loss of two promising astronauts highlighted the inherent risks of aviation and space exploration. This event prompted renewals in training protocols and aircraft safety measures. As NASA continued its journey toward space certification of crews for upcoming missions, the lessons learned from this tragedy supported the ongoing development of more rigorous safety standards within the agency.

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