A B-52 Carrying Two Hydrogen Bombs Broke Apart Over North Carolina in 1961—and Nearly Caused a Nuclear Disaster

A B-52 carrying two hydrogen bombs broke apart over North Carolina in 1961, nearly causing a nuclear disaster. The incident occurred on January 23, 1961, when the aircraft, part of the 4241st Strategic Wing, was conducting a nighttime flight. The bombs, armed with Mark 39 hydrogen weapons, separated midair due to fuel leaks, leading to a dramatic breakup. A lanyard connected to the release mechanism of one bomb was pulled by centrifugal forces, triggering an accidental detonation. The crash occurred near the home of the Tyndall family, and the wreckage was so severe that it drew military and civilian attention.

The crash site was extensively covered by local media, with the Goldsboro News-Argus publishing a dark image of the wreckage. The incident was later revealed to have involved a significant number of military personnel and community members, with the Air Force conducting extensive searches to recover debris and locate an ejector seat. The event was the only time in decades that the military acknowledged a nuclear danger. The U.S. Air Force issued denials, but journalist Eric Schlosser uncovered the incident, revealing that the bombs had come dangerously close to detonating.

The incident was part of a broader series of "Broken Arrow" accidents, highlighting how mechanical failures and human error could lead to nuclear disasters. The Soviet Union used "Moscow Molly" to spread propaganda, claiming the U.S. had dropped a nuclear bomb on Goldsboro. The community responded with a rebuttal statement, emphasizing their belief in the Air Force's good intentions. The incident also sparked rumors about the search for missing nuclear weapons and potential evacuations. The story was eventually revealed through a Freedom of Information Act request, exposing the close call and the safety mechanisms in place.

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