Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crash, Sep 14, 1977 (20 killed)
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident on September 14, 1977 near Kirtland AFB New Mexico, United States with 20 fatalities.
- Date: September 14, 1977
- Aircraft: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker
- Location: Kirtland AFB New Mexico, United States
- Fatalities: 20
- Phase of flight: Takeoff and climb
A USAF Boeing KC 135 tanker climbing after a night takeoff from Kirtland AFB toward Nellis AFB struck a mountain slope in the Manzano Mountains less than three minutes after departure. Air traffic control had warned the crew about insufficient altitude shortly before the impact. The aircraft broke up and all 20 occupants were killed.