The mixed ductile-brittle fracture of a b. c. c. polycrystal was studied by means of the scanning electron microscope. Ductile cracks were simultaneously observed in plan and cross-section. Highly developed heterogeneous plastic deformation was visualized near the crack on the cross-sectional cut. In plan the ductile crack has the usual oyster-shell fracture surface. The fracture of a complex titanium-based alloy with a b. c. c. lattice was studied. A model is proposed for the formation and development of a ductile crack. Certain conclusions of this model are discussed.