On the night of January 23rd, 1961, a lucky turn of events prevented the greatest nuclear disaster the United States would have known. Thousands of people would have died instantly, with millions more at the mercy of nuclear fallout. This lucky save is now known as the Goldsboro Incident.
The Goldsboro incident wasn’t the only nuclear mishap that happened in the 1950s and 1960s, but it is definitely the one that could have had the most severe outcome. On that fateful night in January, a B-52 Stratofortress bomber patrolling the skies over the Atlantic Ocean developed a fuel leak. The pilots were advised to seer their craft and make an emergency landing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base near Goldsboro, North Carolina. While approaching the airfield, the pilots lost control over the plane, and to save their own lives - had to bail out. Only five of the crew members managed to parachute safely out. Three pilots were killed in the crash.
The official announcement of the US airforce claimed there was no danger of radiation in the area as the nuclear core of the weapons was intact. However, a former military analyst claimed to have seen highly classified documents that clarified how close the situation was to becoming complete chaos. According to said document, the bomb had accidentally armed itself while falling, and only one out of its seven arming switches was in the “off” position preventing detonation! This information was confirmed in 2013 by author Eric Schlosser. While researching his book Command and Control, Schlosser unearthed a declassified document written by the supervisor of the nuclear weapons safety department at Sandia National Laboratories Parker F Jones. “One simple, dynamo-technology, low voltage switch stood between the United States and a major catastrophe,” Jones wrote. The second weapon, which crashed without the parachute, broke up into several pieces, one of which was never found. The lost piece contained a significant amount of high-enriched uranium.
Had this one little switch not stayed on lock, the entire state of North Caroline might not have existed today. The fallen thermonuclear devices were 250 times more powerful than Little Boy, the bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima during WWII. If detonated, it would have produced a fireball 2 km in diameter and inflicted third-degree burns on anyone standing as far as 19 km away.
Some people disagree with this version of the incident, claiming the actual possibility of detonation was next to none. In their book Broken Arrow: The Declassified History of U.S. authors, Michael H. Maggelet and James C. Oskins point out that that the arm-ready switch was in the safe position, and the high-voltage battery was not activated, no electrical power could reach any components necessary to fire the weapon and produce a nuclear explosion.
Whatever the case may be, we should all be eternally grateful for the multiple safety systems that prevented the explosion, and most of all - to plain old luck.
QUIZ: Which Founding Father Were You in a Past Life?
Do you think you were the great George Washington, the confident Thomas Jefferson, or perhaps someone else? Take this personality quiz and find out!
The FBI Has Various Secrets It Doesn't Like People Knowing
The FBI has numerous secrets, and it's not too keen on the public knowing them. Here are 12 facts that the FBI would rather you didn't know.
These Man Made Pools Provide Support to Millions of People
The Potash Ponds are not only a striking sight but also an extremely important resource. What's their story? Find out here.
20 Nostalgic Images of Circulating Libraries
Way before Amazon, the visit of the bookmobile was one of the most exciting moments. These 20 nostalgic images capture the circulating libraries of the past.
Panama Canal: Engineering Miracle with a Shocking History
You may not know it but the Panama Canal is one of the 20th century's greatest achievements. When you read its incredible history you will understand why.
QUIZ: How Much Do You Know About the US Constitution?
Think you're a true patriot of the USA? If so, then you're bound to know everything possible about the US constitution, right? It's time to find out...
18 of the Most Incredibly-Timed Photos You'll Ever See
These photos will leave you in awe of their timing. The visual impact they have is staggering. Take a look at these 18 images.
Dogs Can Teach Us a Lot About Friendship...
While dogs may be man's best friend, dogs’ best friends are undoubtedly other dogs, as these adorable pictures go to show.
These 18 Bold Predictions Were Actually Proven to Be False
Some of the great and good of science, industry and entertainment made bold predictions in the past that proved to be completely false. Take a look.
The Stories of These Women from History are Inspiring
Read the inspiring stories of these amazingly strong women.
The English Samurai: The True History Behind 'Shogun'
In this article, we will look at the TRUE history behind the celebrated book Shogun.
This Man Has Taken Refuge in an Airport for 19 Years
Meet Denis Luiz de Souza, a man who, because of unfortunate circumstances, has been living in an airport for about two decades.
12 Freaky Photos of Olympians That Will Shock You
These surreal pictures of Olympians will make you see athletes in a different light.
20th Century: The MOST Popular Breakfast of Every Decade
Breakfast shape-shifted quite a bit during the 20th century. Discover the most popular breakfast delicacy of every decade in this article
INTERACTIVE: 12 Fascinating Facts About Napoleon Bonaparte
Whether you're a history aficionado or a curious learner, these insights offer a unique glimpse into the man behind the legend of Napoleon.
Have You Ever Seen Ducks With Jobs? You're About To!
Watch the day-to-day life of these incredible ducks, who just so happen to spend their lives on a wine farm...
10 Questions You Always Wanted the Answer To
Let's dive into ten questions you've always wanted to ask and uncover the intriguing science behind everyday phenomena.
Did You Know these 10 Facts about Alexander the Great?
His father conquered and unified Greece, but he wanted to conquer the world. Alexander the Great was a truly fascinating man.
Nostalgia: Gorgeous Photos of America in the 1950s
We hope you enjoy these beautiful captures of the 1950s in the USA.
12 Vintage Christmas Songs That Still Warm Hearts
These classic Christmas songs capture the spirit of the season.
The Best of Andrea Bocelli – 5 Memorable Live Performances
It’s time to fall in love with Andrea Bocelli all over again.
Full Documentary: The Real Story of Thanksgiving
Discover the real history behind the most popular holiday in the USA, through this fascinating documentary, courtesy of the History Channel.
These Optical Illusions Made Me Question Everything I See!
These optical illusions really give credence to the notion that the human eye is far from infallible. Here are 20 mind-bending optical illusions for you to try.
Send An Affectionate Kiss to Someone You Love Today
To someone you love, a kiss can say a whole lot, and that's why we've put this adorable collection together for you. Share your affection with them today.
25 Incredible Facts About the Famous Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan struck fear into the hearts of his subjects during his reign, but there's a lot more to the man than meets the eye. Here are 25 intriguing facts.
From Food to Science - The WORST Misnomers You’ll Find!
Whoever named these objects must have seriously run out of imagination!
A Look into Ancient Greece Like You've Never Seen Before
What can interior design and fashion trends tell us about a culture? A lot more than you think.
6 Creepy Mysteries the World Never Solved
There are some mysteries that, despite scientists’ best attempts, still remain unsolved to this day. Here are 6 such mysteries.
The Dark and Fascinating History of the Romanov Family
For more than three hundred years, the Romanov family had absolute power over Russia, this is their fascinating story.
11 Relatively Unknown Peculiar Jobs That No Longer Exist
Here is a collection of lesser-known jobs that are now obsolete. Some of them may sound unusual or even funny; even though they are real.
You'll Need a Second Look For THESE Photos...
These fascinating photo illusions will make you believe like you're seeing one thing, but they actually depict something very different
Here Are 10 Feel-Good News Stories That Deliver a Smile
Feeling down? Let these good news stories bring a smile to your face.
WOW! These Men Must Have Nerves of Steel!
Vince Reffet and Noah Bahnson are thrill-seekers who love jumping off mountains. In this breathtaking video, they fly through the Alps.
Do You Remember Playing Like These Photographed Children?
In the days before cellphones, the internet, and the like, we children had to learn how to make our fun. Remember playing like these retro kids?
Smart Synonyms for 16 Words That Will Elevate Your Speech
Sound smarter and enrich your lexicon with these 16 clever alternatives to ordinary English words
Find Humor & Inspiration in These Douglas Adams Quotes
May you find inspiration and humor in these quotes by Douglas Adams.
8 Facts You Learned at School that Are No Longer True!
The passage of time leads things that were once accepted as facts to actually be proven as incorrect. Here are 8 supposed facts that aren’t really true.
White Rose: the Brave Student Resistance to Nazi Germany
White Rose was a secret student organization that opposed the Nazi rule, here is the story of this brave organization...
Take a Look At the Many Secrets of Life in Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt always fascinates us. But do we really know how daily life in that civilization was like? Watch his video to learn more.
There is No Greater Blessing than Your Family
Beautiful Words: Having a family to care for is a blessing.
A Few Beautiful and Flowery Thoughts on Positivity...
In life, you have to give yourself the space to allow your beautiful, positive thoughts to bloom like a beautiful flower. Watch this video to understand more.
9 Facts About Ancient Egypt You Probably Didn’t Know
Venture beyond the usual facts about the pyramids and Tutankhamen and learn 9 equally fascinating facts and misconceptions about Ancient Egypt
These Bizarre Weapons Were Invented During World War II
The Second World War saw the use of many jaw-dropping weapons. Many others, however, were considered flops.
These Maps Are Guaranteed to Teach You About the USA
The USA becomes all the more fascinating when you collate a ton of different maps containing insightful demographic data. Take a look at this map compilation.
Learn All About Herodotus, the Father of History
Learn all about Herodotus, and how he came to be known as the 'Father of History' in this informative video.
Ten Reasons Why Japan's Schools Are Spectacular
How is it Japan is so special? Perhaps it is all down to their unique education system. Here are 10 amazing things about Japan's schools you never knew!
I Grew up in the Westboro Baptist Church: Here's My Story
Megan Phelps-Roper used to be part of America's most reviled group, the Westboro Baptist Church. In this talk she tells how she decided to leave them behind.