Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 4-3-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–10 AP. “10 Airmen Are Killed in Crash of a Bomber.” Joplin Globe, MO, 5-19-1944, p. 1.

–10 Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V2, July 1943-July 1944, p. 794.

Narrative Information

Mireles: “At 0638 MWT, a Boeing B-17G crashed seven miles east of Rapid City Army Air Base, Rapid City, South Dakota, killing the crew of ten. The airplane was flying in the number-six position of a six-ship flight that took off at 0634 MWT from Rapid City Army Air Base on a routine formation-training mission. The subject airplane made a normal take-off and then began a climbing turn in order to join the formation. The B-17 was seen to enter a bank of about 35 to 40 degrees during the second 90-degree turn. The subject airplane apparently encountered the propeller turbulence of the preceding B-17s, causing it to go into a bank angle of about 80 degrees. The airplane stalled, snapped over to an inverted position and then entered a spin to the left at an altitude too low to allow recovery. The airplane slammed to the ground on the port wing, cart- wheeling as it exploded into flames. Wreckage was scattered over an area of one-half mile by 800 feet.” (Mireles 2006. Vol. 2, July 1943-July 1944, p. 794.)

Newspaper

May 18, AP: “Rapid City, May 18. (AP) – A four-engined bomber from the Rapid City Army Air Base crashed and burned near New Underwood, 20 miles east of here, at 6:30 a.m. today. The plane, one of a group in early morning formation, fell on the James Forrest ranch, a mile north of Highway 14-16 and about the same distance east of town. The ship burst into flames when it struck the ground, witnesses said. Officials of the Rapid City Army Air Base have made no official announcement as yet.” (Associated Press. “Rapid City Bomber Crashes in Flames.” Evening Huronite, SD, 5-18-1944, p. 1.)

May 19, AP: “Rapid City, S.D., May 18. – (AP) Ten men were killed in the crash early today of a four-engined bomber at New Underwood, 20 miles west of here. The commanding officer of the Rapid City airfield, where the bomber was based, announced the death list. Those killed included:

Second Lieutenant Dennis Earl Lence, pilot, of Peoria, Ill.;

Second Lieutenant Donald Hale, co-pilot, of Villisca, Ia., and

Private First Class Felix Saldona of Cedar Rapids, Ia.

“”(No victims were from the Four-State district).” (AP. “10 Airmen Are Killed in Crash of a Bomber.” Joplin Globe, MO, 5-19-1944, p. 1.)

Sources

Associated Press. “10 Airmen Are Killed in Crash of a Bomber.” Joplin Globe, MO, 5-19-1944, p. 1. Accessed 4-3-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/joplin-globe-may-19-1944-p-1/

Associated Press. “Rapid City Bomber Crashes in Flames.” Evening Huronite, SD, 5-18-1944, p. 1. Accessed 4-3-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/evening-huronite-may-18-1944-p-1/

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.

1944 — May 18, USAAF B-17 crash (formation prop. turbulence), 7M E Rapid City AAB, SD–10