On February 2, 1989, FB-111A 68-0243 left Plattsburgh AFB on a routine training mission at 10:50 a.m. The planned mission included refueling with a Plattsburgh KC-135 aerial tanker and low-level training over Maine. Shortly after take-off, the pilot, Capt.Randy Voorhees and his navigator, Capt.Len Esterly discovered a problem with the left external fuel tank. Based on the crew's observations, the tank appeared to be cocked approximately 10 degrees outboard, toward the left wing tip. About one-half into their mission, the crew decided to return to Plattsburgh AFB. At 11:43 a.m., they requested and received permission to descend from 19,000 feet to 10,000 feet where Capt. Voorhees planned to test the aircraft's controls in the landing configuration. While preparing for the check, the FB-111A experienced a heavy lift yaw and an almost simultaneous left roll. According to the crash report, it is likely that this manuever was caused by a further rotation of the fuel tank. Although the crew attempted to regain control of the bomber, during the third roll, Capt. Voorhees gave the order to "bail out". At that point the capsule separated and parachuted into a wooded area approximately eight-tenths of a mile north of where the aircraft crashed. The aircraft, flying approximately 60 degrees nose low inverted, crashed at 11:47 a.m. at the 1,100 feet point of a 1,600 feet hill, 1 and three-quarters miles northeast of St-Johnsbury, Vt. The report states that the crew, although following all known procedures, was unable to maintain control of the aircraft. The investigation centered on the attachment of the fuel tank to the wing. The fuel tank is connected to the wing by an assembly which allows the tank to rotate as the FB-111's wing sweep forward and back. Post accident testing and teardown revealed abrasions on the adaptor bellcrank housing which indicated that the adaptor and pylon had rotated 65 degrees to the left prior to the time of impact. The lack of significant damage at the bases and sides of the teeth indicate they had been disengaged or partially engaged at the time of impact. Although the locking mechanism was in place, evidence indicated that either the teeth had not been engaged properly at the time of installation or the lock ring could have unscrewed itself in flight.

The crash report was released on June 15, 1989 and completed a five month investigation of the crash. The board's findings concluded that a cocked external fuel tank resulted in the aircraft accident. Both crewmembers ejected safely with the capsule and were not injured.