Bob Rolke, kayaker and outdoorsman - explores several unique sites in Maine
A haunting aeronautic disaster occurred during the height of the cold war. In the winter of 1963, a B-52 suffered a
catastrophic mechanical failure of the real stabilizer and drilled into the side of Elephant Mountain, Maine. With 6 crew and 3
observers on board, 7 perished and 2 lived to tell the story and share the memories of those who made the ultimate
sacrifice. This is now a shrine and it is forbidden to remove any artifacts from the site.
catastrophic mechanical failure of the real stabilizer and drilled into the side of Elephant Mountain, Maine. With 6 crew and 3
observers on board, 7 perished and 2 lived to tell the story and share the memories of those who made the ultimate
sacrifice. This is now a shrine and it is forbidden to remove any artifacts from the site.
| Tires from the B-52, note the shattered rims. |
A wing section propped up against new growth
for easier inspection.
for easier inspection.
One segment of tires that were burned away.
VUME - Photo Journey of Maine
Hike Elephant Mountain
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A close look at the ripped and torn metal that
once were a bomber.
once were a bomber.
Another wing section, paint and details are still visible.
| One of 2 signs that mark the territory and illustrate the story of fateful mission in 1963. |
An interesting cross section of fuselage.
The second sign that details the story and survival of
2 crew members.
2 crew members.
All photography on this page are copyright and credited to Bob Rolke, 2007.