1943 – May 16, two USAAF B-17s collide at runway junction, Ephrata Army AB, WA– 10
Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 5-9-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/
–10 AP. “Ten Men Killed In Bomber Crash.” Muscatine Journal and News-Tribune, IA. 5-18-1943, p8.
–10 Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V. 1 Jan 1941-Jun 1943, p. 371.
Narrative Information
Mireles: “At 0055, two Boeing B-17F airplanes collided at a runway intersection while attempting to take-off at Ephrata Army Air Base, Ephrata, Washington, killing ten fliers….The two B-17 airplanes were preparing to take-off on a routine night training mission. The Accident Classification Committee stated,
“While the pilot of airplane #42-29501 was off the extreme southeast end of Southeast/ Northwest runway checking engines, pilot of airplane #42-5345 called the tower for taxi instructions. Tower told #42-5345 to stay on the ramp. When #42-29501, with Capt. Steedman as instructor in the co-pilot seat, called for takeoff clearance, the tower called all airplanes to see if [they were] clear of the runway. Airplane #42-29501 was cleared for take-off. Airplane #42-29501 [taking off to the northwest on the Southeast/Northwest runway] crashed into the right side of and wing of airplane #42- 5345 [which was taking off to the north on the South/North runway] at the intersection of the South/North and Southeast/Northwest runways during the take-off run, at which place #42-5345 burned with its crew. On seeing green running lights of #425345, pilot of #42-29501 tried in every way possible to avoid the accident. Right wing tip and about 15 feet of the right wing from #42-5345 ripped into and stuck in the nose and along the leading edge of the left wing of #42-29501, causing bombardier of #4229501 to be thrown from the airplane [resulting] in fatal injuries. Number-one engine of #42-29501 was knocked off of the airplane, causing fire to break out along the left wing. Fire was blown out by [the propeller blast] of [the number-two] engine. Other crewmembers of #42-29501 escaped without injury.” (Mireles 2006, V1, 371.)
Newspaper
May 16, AP: “Ephrata, Wash., May 16 (AP) – Nine men were killed in the crash of a four-engined bomber at the army air base here Sunday, the public relations office announced. Five others escaped without injury. Lieutenant F. M. Pape, public relations officer, said the plane collided with another bomber as it was taking off and caught fire. Names of the victims were withheld until the next of kin have been notified.” (Associated Press. “Bomber Crash Kills Nine Army Fliers.” Salt Lake Tribune, UT. 5-17-1943, p. 2.)
May 18, AP: “Ephrata, Wash. – (AP) – Ten army fliers – five officers and five enlisted men – were killed Monday in a ground collision between two four-engined bombers at the Ephrata army air base. Five others escaped. The base, in a report released today, said one of the bombers collided with a sister ship while preparing to take off on a routine night flying mission. The second plane burst into flame. An army board is investigating the accident.
“Lieut. Frederic M. Pape, air base public relations officer, said the dead included Sgt. Kenneth L. Johnson, Searsboro, Ia.” (Associated Press. “Ten Men Killed In Bomber Crash.” Muscatine Journal and News-Tribune, IA. 5-18-1943, p. 8.)
Sources
Associated Press. “Bomber Crash Kills Nine Army Fliers.” Salt Lake Tribune, UT. 5-17-1943, p. 2. Accessed 5-8-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/salt-lake-tribune-may-17-1943-p-2/
Associated Press. “Ten Men Killed In Bomber Crash.” Muscatine Journal and News-Tribune, IA. 5-18-1943, p. 8. Accessed 5-9-2024 at:
https://newspaperarchive.com/muscatine-journal-and-news-tribune-may-18-1943-p-8/
Mireles, Anthony J. Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation Accidents in the United States, 1941-1945 (Volume 1: Introduction, January 1941 – June 1943). Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Co., 2006.