The Palomares Incident: January 17, 1966

On January 17, 1966, a significant accident involving U.S. military aircraft occurred over the skies of Spain, known as the Palomares Incident. This event involved a mid-air collision between a B-52 bomber and a KC-135 tanker during a routine aerial refueling operation.

Background

During the Cold War, the United States maintained a policy of continuous airborne alert, known as Operation Chrome Dome, which involved B-52 bombers armed with nuclear weapons flying regular patrols to ensure a rapid response capability. The B-52 involved in this incident was part of such a mission, carrying four hydrogen bombs.

The Collision

• Date: January 17, 1966
• Location: Near the village of Palomares, in the Almería province of Spain.
• Aircraft Involved:
  • A B-52G Stratofortress bomber.
  • A KC-135 Stratotanker.

During the refueling maneuver, the B-52 collided with the KC-135. The tanker exploded, killing all four crew members aboard. The B-52 was severely damaged, leading to a breakup in mid-air. Of the seven crew members on the B-52, four ejected and survived, while three perished.

The Hydrogen Bombs

The B-52 was carrying four B28 hydrogen bombs. Upon the aircraft’s destruction:

1. Three bombs fell on land near Palomares:

   • Two of these bombs experienced non-nuclear explosions upon impact, dispersing plutonium over the area.
   • The third bomb landed intact.

2. The fourth bomb fell into the Mediterranean Sea and was recovered after an extensive search lasting nearly three months.

Aftermath and Consequences

• Immediate Response: The U.S. military, in cooperation with Spanish authorities, launched a massive cleanup operation. Contaminated soil was removed and shipped to the United States for disposal.
• Search and Recovery: The search for the missing bomb in the sea involved extensive naval resources and was eventually successful on April 7, 1966.
• Diplomatic Impact: The incident strained U.S.-Spanish relations and raised international concerns about the safety of nuclear weapons. It also led to changes in U.S. military policies regarding the airborne alert program.
• Environmental and Health Concerns: The plutonium contamination had long-term environmental impacts, and concerns about health effects on local residents persisted for decades.

Historical Significance

The Palomares Incident highlighted the risks associated with the Cold War nuclear strategy and the potential for catastrophic accidents involving nuclear weapons. It prompted a reevaluation of nuclear safety protocols and contributed to the eventual cessation of continuous airborne alert missions by the United States.

The incident remains a poignant reminder of the dangers inherent in the nuclear arms race and the importance of stringent safety measures in handling nuclear arsenals.