The B-52 Crash Site Memorial

Deep in the woods near Greenville lies a tragic piece of Cold War history. On January 24, 1963, a US Air Force B-52C Stratofortress on a training mission encountered severe turbulence and crashed into the side of Elephant Mountain. Seven crew members died. Two survived a night in the frozen wilderness before being rescued.

Today, the crash site has been preserved as a memorial, allowing visitors to pay respects and witness one of the most significant aviation disasters in Maine history.

The History

The Mission

The B-52C, tail number 53-0406, was assigned to Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts. On that January morning, the crew of nine was conducting a “Terrain Avoidance Flight”—a low-level navigation exercise designed to practice penetrating Soviet air defenses by flying below radar. This was to be the first such low-level mission in the Eastern United States.

The Crash

Approximately 22 minutes after passing Brownville Junction, the aircraft encountered severe turbulence over the mountains of Piscataquis County. When the pilot attempted to climb above the rough air, the vertical stabilizer—the plane’s tail fin—tore away from the aircraft with what survivors described as “a loud noise sounding like an explosion.”

Without its stabilizer, the massive bomber became uncontrollable and plunged toward the mountain.

The Survivors

The navigator, Gerald Adler, and the pilot ejected as the aircraft broke apart. There was neither enough altitude nor time for the six lower-deck crew members to escape before impact.

Gerald Adler’s survival is among the most remarkable in aviation history. He is the only person known to have survived an ejection without his parachute opening. He impacted the snow-covered ground still attached to his ejection seat, suffering a fractured skull and three broken ribs, but surviving an impact estimated at 16 times the force of gravity. The deep Maine snow likely saved his life.

The pilot, Major Robert J. Morrison, landed in a tree 30 feet above the ground. He survived the night in his survival-kit sleeping bag atop his life raft, with temperatures dropping to nearly -30°F. Both men were rescued the following day.

Those Who Were Lost

Seven crew members perished in the crash:

Captain Herbert L. Hanson
1st Lieutenant Charles G. Leuchter
Captain Gerald E. Tobin
Major William W. Gabriel
Major Robert J. Hill
Tech Sergeant Michael F. O’Keefe
Staff Sergeant Charles W. Shook

The Site Today

What You Will See

The crash site has been preserved as a “no harvest zone” by the timber companies that own the surrounding land. The wreckage remains largely untouched, scattered through the spruce and fir forest on the mountainside.

Visitors will encounter:

The Tail Section: The massive vertical stabilizer, still bearing traces of its original green camouflage paint, lies where it fell—a haunting reminder of the forces that brought down the aircraft.
Fuselage Sections: Twisted aluminum sections of the aircraft’s body are scattered among the trees.
Landing Gear: The heavy-duty wheel assemblies remain visible in the debris field.
Engine Components: Pieces of the eight powerful jet engines that once carried the bomber are embedded in the forest floor.
The Memorial: A black Monson slate marker, erected in 1998, honors both the survivors and those who lost their lives. It stands beside the main wreckage.

The Hike

The trail to the crash site is short and relatively easy:

Distance: Approximately 0.5 miles from the parking area to the debris field.
Terrain: Flat to gently rolling, through typical North Woods forest.
Difficulty: Easy, suitable for most hikers.
Time: Allow 30-45 minutes for the walk in, plus time at the site.

Respectful Visitation

This is a grave site where seven young men lost their lives. Visitors are asked to:

Treat the site with reverence and respect.
Do not remove any pieces of wreckage—this is both disrespectful and illegal.
Keep voices low and behavior appropriate.
Leave flowers or flags if you wish, but do not disturb existing memorials.
Take only photographs; leave only footprints.

Getting There

Directions

From Greenville:

Head north on Lily Bay Road.
Turn right onto Prong Pond Road (a logging road).
Follow signs for the “B-52 Memorial.”
The parking area is at the end of the accessible road.

Road Conditions

Access is via an active logging road:

High-clearance vehicles are recommended, though careful drivers in passenger cars can usually make it.
Drive slowly and watch for logging trucks.
The road may be impassable during mud season (late March-May) or after heavy rains.
Winter access is typically by snowmobile only.

GPS Coordinates

The parking area is approximately at: 45.4667° N, 69.5167° W

The Annual Memorial

Since the late 1970s, the Moosehead Riders Snowmobile Club has organized an annual memorial snowmobile ride to the crash site each January, near the anniversary of the tragedy. The ceremony includes:

Representatives from the Maine Air National Guard
Members of the American Legion
Civil Air Patrol participation
Maine Warden Service presence
Color guard and the laying of a wreath
Reading of the names of those who died
A prayer by a military chaplain
The playing of Taps

In 1993, a special 30th anniversary service was held. Navigator Gerald Adler attended and visited the crash site for the first time since his rescue three decades earlier.

The Museum

For those wanting to learn more, The Center for Moosehead History in Greenville maintains a permanent exhibit on the B-52 tragedy:

Location: 6 Lakeview Street, Greenville
Exhibits: Two of the recovered ejection seats and artifacts from the crash
Context: Historical information about the Cold War mission and the crew
Hours: Check with the museum for current schedule

Planning Your Visit

Best Times to Visit

Summer and Fall: The road is most accessible from June through October.
Avoid Mud Season: Late March through May typically sees poor road conditions.
Hunting Season: Be aware that the surrounding woods are popular with hunters in fall; wear orange if visiting during firearms season.

What to Bring

Sturdy footwear (the trail can be muddy)
Bug spray in summer
Water and a snack
Camera (the site is photogenic in a somber way)
A sense of respect

Nearby Attractions

While in the Greenville area:

Moosehead Lake: The largest lake entirely within Maine
Mount Kineo: Historic peninsula with dramatic cliffs and hiking
Lily Bay State Park: Camping and swimming on Moosehead
Seaplane Rides: Experience the North Woods from above

A Place of Reflection

The B-52 crash site is not a typical tourist attraction. It is a place of loss, of survival against impossible odds, and of memory. The contrast between the peaceful Maine woods and the violence of the crash is profound. Many visitors find the experience deeply moving.

For those who make the journey, the site offers a chance to honor the service of nine young men who flew a dangerous mission during a dangerous time, and to reflect on the fragility of life and the endurance of memory.

The crew of B-52C 53-0406 flew their last mission over 60 years ago, but in this quiet corner of the Maine woods, they are not forgotten.