New information concerning the nuclear bomb that almost went off over North Carolina in 1961 has been declassified, and the news is even more dire than what was originally reported.
A recently declassified document concerning a nuclear bomb that almost went off over North Carolina in 1961 reveals just how close to disaster the U.S. came.
Months ago it was revealed that a bomber plane flying over the state carrying two incredibly powerful Mark 39 hydrogen bombs encountered severe mechanical difficulties.
"It went through all its arming mechanisms save one and very nearly detonated in North Carolina." [BBC]
Fuel was lost, a wing was ripped from the plane, and the bombs fell from the cargo area.
One was saved from making contact with the ground as its parachute got tangled in some tree branches.
The other hit land while traveling at 700 miles per hour.
At the time, the Air Force claimed there was no danger of a nuclear explosion.
New information about the incident reveals that averting a crisis had little if anything to do with design, but was likely entirely chance.
When the bomb dropped it was in Safe mode, but the impact switched it into armed mode.
"There was explosive power greater than all the bombs ever used on this planet." [FOX]
Through sheer luck, rather than being activated upon impact, the switch was damaged and the weapon became incapable of detonating.
Had the bomb gone off, it’s said that everything in an 8 and a half mile radius would have died instantly.
