The B-52H Stratofortress was brought under marginal control, with the airbrakes slowing the bomber down and a forward center of gravity being created with a fuel transfer. The crew then called for help. Test pilot Dale Felix soon arrived in a North American F-100 and, after surveying the damage, told the crew what had happened.
The pilot manning the B-52H, Charles “Chuck” Fisher, recalled saying, “We’ve slowed down to 220 knots, we’re stable, and I’m going to handle it pretty carefully.” Felix then told him, “That’s a good idea. All of your rudder and most of your vertical fin are gone.” The crew could hardly believe it. After what must have felt like forever, Fisher said, “Don’t I even have 50 percent?” Felix responded, “No, you don’t have 50 percent.”
Approximately 83-85 percent of the vertical stabilizer had been torn off; essentially, the B-52H was flying without a tail.
To help stabilize the bomber, the rear landing gear was lowered. Its crew then began flying back to Wichita. They decided, after testing speeds between 200-220 knots, that 210 were the best for their situation, and they maintained an altitude of 12,000 feet.
Poor weather at Wichita meant it would be safer to change course to Blytheville Air Force Base, Arkansas. Upon their approach, the wingtip gears were lowered first, followed by the forward landing gear. The B-52H then descended to 10,000 feet at 160 knots. The crew maintained this reduced speed for the landing, which was completed successfully.