1945 — Aug 28, USAAF B-32 takeoff power loss, crash, runway-end pit, Yontan, Okinawa–all 13
Compiled 12-24-2023 by Wayne Blanchard for: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/
–13 Aviation Safety Network. USAAF B-32 takeoff crash, Yontan, Okinawa, 28 August 1945.
–13 BAAA. “Crash of a Consolidated B-32-CF Dominator in Yontan AFB: 13 Killed.”
–13 Baugher, Joseph. 1942 USAAF Serial Numbers (42-91974 to 42-110188). 8-7-2023 revision.
–13 Pacific Wrecks. “B-32-20-CF Dominator Serial Number 42-108544. 4-7-2023 update.
Narrative Information
Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 116:
“Date: Tuesday 18 August 1945
“Type: Consolidated B-32-CF Dominator
“Owner/Operator: United States Army Air Force (USAAF)
“Registration: 42-108544
“MSN:
“Fatalities: Fatalities: 13 / Occupants: 13
“Aircraft damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair)
“Location: Yontan, Okinawa – Japan
“Phase: Take off
“Nature: Military
“Departure airport: Yontan, Okinawa
“Destination airport:
“Narrative: Lost power on take-off and crashed into a pit at the end of the runway.”
Baugher: “….Consolidated B-32-20 CF Dominator….108544 assigned to 386th BX, 312 BG….The aircraft took off from Yontan Airfield [Okinawa, where it had arrived 12Aug45] on a photographic mission over Tokyo 28Aug45 to observe that the terms of the Japanese surrender were being observed, which included checking that propellers had been removed from Japanese aircraft at Atsugi Airfield. During take off, the bomber lost power from ? 3 engine, the pilot attempted to stop the aircraft but it skidded off the runway into a coral pit, exploded and burned killing the entire crew of thirteen in the crash.”
Pacific Wrecks. “B-32-20-CF Dominator Serial Number 42-108544. 4-7-2023 update:
“….on August 12, 1945, arrived at Yontan Airfield on Okinawa….
“On August 28, 1945 before dawn took off from Yontan Airfield piloted by Sill on a photographic mission over Tokyo to observe if the terms of surrender were being observed, and propellers removed from Japanese aircraft at Atsugi Airfield with B-32 ‘Hobo Qneen II’ 42108532 pilot Elliott. Both bombers were equipped with a bomb bay fuel tank for extra range. Also aboard were two passengers: Intelligence officer Captain William P. Barnes and Communications officer Captain Woodrow H. Hauser. During take off, the no. 3 engine lost power causing and the pilots attempted to abort the take off by applying the breaks but the bomber skidded off the runway and landed in an 80′ gravel pit at the end of the runway and exploded killing everyone aboard…..”
“Pilot 1st Lt. Leonard Sill (KIA, BR) WI
Co-Pilot 1st Lt. Glen W. Bowie (KIA, BR) KS
Navigator 1st Lt William H. Colley (KIA, BR) Kings County, NY
Radar Operator 1st Lt. Calvin S. Warren (KIA, BR) Laporte, CO
Intelligence Officer Captain William P. Barnes, IIII (KIA, BR) LA
Communication Officer Captain Woodrow H. Hauser (KIA, BR) WI
Engineer Gunner Sgt Albert M. Andrade, 19087534 (KIA, BR) Modesto, CA
Engineer Gunner Sgt George P. Bollos, 31366626 (KIA, BR) Bristol County, MA
Engineer Gunner Sgt Raymond A. Repp (KIA, BR) MI
Crew SSgt Max E. Holben (KIA, BR) Norcatur, KS
Radio TSgt Richard W. Roth, 39289202 (KIA, BR) Fresno, CA
Engineer TSgt Donald L. Fry (KIA, BR) Springfield, MO.”
Sources
Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 116. USAAF B-32 takeoff power loss, crash, runway-end pit, Yontan, Okinawa, 28 August 1945. Accessed 12-26-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/48690
BAAA (Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives). “Crash of a Consolidated B-32-CF Dominator in Yontan AFB: 13 Killed.” Accessed 12-26-2023 at:
https://www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-consolidated-b-32-cf-dominator-yontan-afb-13-killed
Baugher, Joseph F. 1942 USAAF Serial Numbers (42-91974 to 42-110188). 8-7-2023 revision. Accessed 12-26-2023 at: https://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1942_5.html
Pacific Wrecks. “B-32-20-CF Dominator Serial Number 42-108544. 4-7-2023 update. Accessed 12-26-2023 at: https://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/b-32/42-108544.html