Nuclear weapons accidents

Nuclear Weapons Accidents

Since the creation of nuclear weapons in 1945, there have been numerous nuclear weapons accidents by the United States and Soviet Union. The United States categorizes such accidents using the military code word "Broken Arrow".

Broken Arrow Definition

Definition of an Accident

An unexpected event involving nuclear weapons or nuclear weapons components that results in any of the following-

Accidental or unauthorized launching, firing, or use, by U.S. forces or supported allied forces, of a nuclear capable weapon system which could create the risk of an outbreak of war.

Nuclear detonation.

Non-nuclear detonation or burning of a nuclear weapon or radioactive weapon component , including a fully assembled nuclear weapon, and unassembled nuclear weapon, or a radioactive weapon component.

Radioactive contamination.

Seizure, theft, or loss of a nuclear weapon or radioactive nuclear weapon component, including jettisoning.

Public hazard, actual or implied.

Thirty-six U.S. Accidents Declassified

To date, the U.S. Department of Defense has declassified thirty-six nuclear weapons accidents-

1. February 13, 1950, B-36, British Columbia

2. April 11, 1950, B-29, Manzano Base

3. July 13, 1950, B-50, Lebanon, Ohio

4. August 5, 1950, B-29, Fairfield-Suison AFB, California

5. November 10, 1950, B-50, St. Lawrence River, Canada

6. March 10, 1956, B-47, Mediterranean Sea

7. July 27, 1956, B-47, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom

8. May 27, 1957, B-36, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico

9. July 28, 1957, C-124, Atlantic Ocean

10. October 11, 1957, B-47, Homestead AFB, Florida