Compiled 12-23-2023 by Wayne Blanchard for: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–15 Aviation Safety Network. USAAF B-17 down 150M NW Lagens [Lajes] 5 July 1945.

–15 Baugher, Joe. 1942 USAAF Serial Numbers (42-30032 to 42-39757). 4-10-2023 revision.

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Network, Database, 1945, p. 102:

“Date: Thursday 5 July 1945

“Time: 01:30 UTC [Coordinated Universal Time]

“Type: Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress

“Registration: 42-32087

….

“Fatalities: Fatalities: 15 / Occupants: 19

“Aircraft damage: Aircraft missing

“Location: Lagens [Lajes] Fld/ 150mi NW – USA

“Phase: En route

“Nature: Military

“Departure airport:

“Destination airport:

“Narrative:

“5 July 1945, B-17F, 42-32087 has been missing since 5 July at 0130Z. 0130Z was the last radio contact with the aircraft when the pilot reported that #3 engine cut out in flight and after trying to return was losing altitude and were preparing to ditch the aircraft. Aircraft left Lagens Airfield at 2352Z 4 July enroute to United States. There were 4 survivors and 15 missing personnel. SURVIVORS: 2nd LT Leo M. Harsh (Co-Pilot); Sgt Ernest B. Riley (Gunner); Sgt John W. Swartz (Gunner); Cpl Robert C. Luebbers (Passenger). MISSING: 1st LT Benny J. Radzevich (Pilot); 2nd LT John L. Pentney (Navigator); 1st LT Robert B. Brubaker (Bombardier); Sgt John W. Baker (Radio Operator); S/Sgt Harold H. Digman (Gunner); Sgt James R. Starr (Gunner); M/Sgt Kenneth E. Zellers (Passenger); T/Sgt Joseph P. Guest (Passenger); S/Sgt Edward J. Michalowski (Passenger); S/Sgt Leonard H. Janney (Passenger); S/Sgt Herbert E. Autenreith (Passenger); Sgt Harold F. Granholm (Passenger); Sgt Charles A. Taylor (Passenger); Cpl James W. Green (Passenger); Pvt Frank A. Bonczar (Passenger).”

Baugher: “….Boeing B-17G-35-BO Fortress….32087 (MSN 7201….Ditched in the south Atlantic 150 miles west of Lajes Field, Terceira Island, Azores 4Jul45 (15MIS). The aircraft had just stopped for refueling en route UK to US and shortly after takeoff it caught fire. The last radio contact reported that No. 3 engine had cut out, and, after trying to return, the plane was losing altitude. The crew was preparing to ditch the aircraft. There were only four survivors, and fifteen others were still missing after a search of nine hours. (MACR 15412).”

Sources

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Network, Database, 1945, p. 102. USAAF B-17 down 150M NW Lagens [Lajes] 5 July 1945. Accessed 12-23-2023 at:

https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/97787

Baugher, Joseph F. 1942 USAAF Serial Numbers (42-30032 to 42-39757). 4-10-2023 revision. Accessed 12-23-2023 at: https://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1942_2.html

1945 — July 5, USAAF B-17 bound for US, engine fire/ditches 150M NW Lajes Fld., Azores– 15