1943 – Nov 19, two USAAF B-17Fs in formation collide 1/4M N Lake Thonotosassa, FL–10
Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 4-22-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/
–10 Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V2, July 1943-July 1944, p. 588.
–10 United Press. “Ten Flyers Are Killed.” Charleston Daily Mail, WV, 11-21-1943, p. 8.
Narrative Information
Mireles: “At 1700 EWT, two Boeing B-17F type airplanes collided in mid-air near Thonotosassa, Florida, killing the ten crewmembers aboard B-17 #42-30786. They were killed when the B-17 slammed to earth and exploded in flames one-quarter mile north of Lake Thonotosassa….The three-man crew of B-17 #42-30746, were uninjured and able to make a safe landing at MacDill Field, Tampa, Florida. The airplanes were part of a flight of three B-17s on a formation training flight, flying on a course of 240-degrees at an indicated altitude of about 9,300 feet when the flight leader ordered a change of positions. Investigators stated,
“In crossing under the lead ship of a three-ship formation, changing from left wing ship to right wing ship, [B17 #42-30746] came up under the lead ship, [B-17 #42-30786], in such a way that the left wing of #746 struck the right wing of #786, tearing away the right aileron of #786. Airplane #786 remained level for a few seconds, [winged over] and then went into a tight spiral to the right from which it never recovered. Airplane #786 crashed and was demolished, killing all on board. Airplane #746 was able to return to MacDill Field and land with the #1 [propeller] feathered.”
“Investigation revealed that this was the first solo formation flight (without an instructor) for all four pilots involved in the collision.” (Mireles 2006, Vol. 2, July 1943-July 1944, p. 588.)
Newspaper
Nov 21, UP: “Tampa, Fla. (UP) – Ten flyers were believed killed in the collision of two heavy bombers near Lake Thonotosassa, Fla., during a routine formation flight, MacDill field army authorities announced Saturday. One plane landed safely after the collision. The other crashed. Ten men were thought to be aboard the second plane.” (United Press. “Ten Flyers Are Killed.” Charleston Daily Mail, WV, 11-21-1943, p. 8.)
Sources
Mireles, Anthony J. Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation Accidents in the United States, 1941-1945 (Volume 2: July 1943 – July 1944). Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Co., 2006.
United Press. “Ten Flyers Are Killed.” Charleston Daily Mail, WV, 11-21-1943, p. 8. Accessed 4-22-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/charleston-daily-mail-nov-21-1943-p-18/