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.