1944 — Aug 21, two USAAF B-24J bombers in formation collide, near Model, CO — 18
Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 3-19-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/
–18 AP. “Three Ohioans Die in Colorado Crash.” Hamilton Daily News Journal, IN. 8-23-1944, 1.
–18 Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V3, Aug 1944-Dec 1945, p. 895.
Narrative Information
Mireles: “At 1009, two Consolidated B-24J airplanes collided in mid-air and crashed two miles east of Model, Colorado, killing 18 fliers. Bombardier 2Lt. Robert S. Clark was able to parachute to safety from B-24J #42-51517 and was uninjured….
“B-24 #42-51517 was flying in the number-one (lead) position and B-24 #42-99946 in the number-three position of the high squadron of an eighteen-ship formation that had taken off from Pueblo Army Air Base, Pueblo, Colorado, on a routine high-altitude formation mission. The formation had climbed to an altitude of about 20,000 feet msl approximately 15 miles northeast of Trinidad, Colorado; the B-24 crews were waiting for a target-towing aircraft for a scheduled gunnery exercise. While waiting for the target tow-ship, the formation leader began executing a series of shallow turns and mild evasive action maneuvers. A shallow turn to the right was commenced. B-24J #42-99946 (number-three) overran his position in the turn and ended up flying abreast of B- 24J #42-51517 (number-one). Moments later, B-24J #42-99946 turned to the right in a steep (near vertical) bank and pulled up into B-24J #42-51517. The port wing of B-24J #42-51517 cut through the fuselage of B-24J #42-99946 at about the camera hatch, severing 42-99946’s tail. B-24J #42-51517’s port wing continued through 42-99946’s fuselage and into the center section. The port wing folded back toward the fuselage of 42-51517. The two airplanes then separated and 42-99946 exploded into flames, breaking into about five large pieces and several hundred smaller bits. The crewmembers of 42-99946 were ejected from the airplane as it broke up and cascaded to the ground. Many were not wearing parachutes. After great difficulty, Lt. Clark parachuted to safety through the nose wheel well as B-24J #42-51517 plunged to the ground in a diving slip to the left, exploding violently into flames upon impact. The bombardier stated that the airspeed indicator in the nose section indicated approximately 350 mph when he exited the airplane.” (Mireles 2006, 895.)
Newspapers
Aug 21, INS: “Trinidad, Colo., Aug. 21 – (INS) – Two bombers collided in midair and crashed in the fields near Model, Colo., bringing death to at least 16 army flyers today. There were various reports on the number of survivors, ranging from one to four, with one survivor being tentatively identified as a Lieut. E. S. Clark. At a late hour, officials from the Pueblo, Col., army air base and the Trinidad prisoner of war camp were still investigating.
“One bomber plunged into a wheat field, setting it afire. Fire fighters from the Trinidad prisoner of war camp were summoned to put out the blaze. Several bodies and parachutes were scattered over various parts of the field. The second bomber came down in another field, located about a mile away. Its crew was killed outright.” (INS. “Midair Crash of Bombers Kill 16.” Long Beach Independent, CA. 8-22-1944, p. 1.)
Aug 23: “Pueblo, Colo., Aug. 23. (AP) – Three Ohioans were killed Monday in the collision of two bombers from the Pueblo air base near Model, Colo., which resulted in the deaths of 18 fliers, air base officials announced last night. The Ohioans killed were Capt. Roy J. Brock of Columbus; Flight Officer William J. Robbins, of Cincinnati, and Cpl. Carl E. Miller of Canton.” (AP. “Three Ohioans Die in Colorado Crash.” Hamilton Daily News Journal, IN. 8-23-1944, 1.)
Sources
AP [Associated Press]. “Three Ohioans Die in Colorado Crash.” Hamilton Daily News Journal, IN. 8-23-1944, p. 1. Accessed 3-19-2024 at:
https://newspaperarchive.com/hamilton-daily-news-journal-aug-23-1944-p-1/
INS [Independent News Service]. “Midair Crash of Bombers Kill 16.” Long Beach Independent, CA. 8-22-1944, p. 1. Accessed 3-19-2024 at:
https://newspaperarchive.com/long-beach-independent-aug-22-1944-p-1/
Mireles, Anthony J. Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation Accidents in the United States, 1941-1945 (Volume 3: August 1944 – December 1945). Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Co., 2006.