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Today in History: B-52 Bomber Accidentally Drops Nuclear Weapons Over North Carolina

1/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 24, 1961, a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress carrying two Mark 39 nuclear bombs broke apart in mid-air near Goldsboro, North Carolina. Five crew members ejected safely, while one did not survive the landing, and two were killed in the crash. One bomb was recovered intact, while the other disintegrated.

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Story summary

On January 24, 1961, a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress carrying two Mark 39 nuclear bombs broke apart in mid-air near Goldsboro, North Carolina. Five crew members ejected safely, while one did not survive the landing, and two were killed in the crash. One bomb was recovered intact, while the other disintegrated.