1944 — Feb 12, 3 USAAF B-25s in formation collide, Army Air Base Greenville, SC –all 19
Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 4-13-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/
–19 AP. “19 Killed in Crash At Greenville.” Florence Morning News, SC. 2-13-1944, pp. 1, 10.
–19 Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V2, July 1943-July 1944, p. 684.
Narrative Information
Mireles: “At 0835, three North American B-25 type airplanes collided in mid-air and crashed near Greenville Army Air Base, Greenville, South Carolina, killing all 19 crew- members aboard the three bombers….
“The airplanes were part of a formation that consisted of 24 B-25 bombers in four, six-ship flights. Two six-ship flights were stacked in the center, flanked on both sides by a six-ship flight. B-25D #41-29863 was flying in the number-two position in the leading element of the “right box of six ships in a 24-ship formation.” The formation was returning to the base following a bombing competition at the AAF Union Bombing Range, South Carolina. The formation, which had passed over the base earlier during a review ceremony, was descending as it was approaching Greenville Army Air Base in preparation for landing. The formation entered a gentle left turn toward the field when B-25D #41-29863 was buffeted by propeller turbulence, causing it-to drift over toward the left, its port wing striking the vertical stabilizer of the lead ship, B-25C #42-32367. The airplanes separated momentarily with the lead airplane entering a slight climbing attitude. B-25D #41-29863 then went out of control and flew into the lead ship, the port propeller contacting the tail section.
“Investigators speculated that the number-two airplane became caught in the propeller turbulence of the lead airplane, causing B-25D #41-29863’s port wing to drop onto the after fuselage of the lead airplane, which was in a slightly nose high attitude. B-25D #41-29863’s port propeller then cut into the after fuselage of the lead ship, severing B-25C #42-32367’s tail. B-25D #4129863 then entered a steep chandelle to the left, stalled and fell off into a spin. The pilots were unable to recover and the airplane spun to the ground near the runway and exploded, killing all on board instantly. B-25C #42-32367 went out of control after losing its tail, sharply plunging downward and squarely into the upper fuselage and wings of B-25D #42-87148, which was flying slightly below in the number-four position of the right-hand six-ship flight, causing both airplanes to burst into flames and break up in mid-air. Both airplanes exploded into flames when they smashed to the ground near the runway a short distance from the number-two airplane. No crewmembers of any of the airplanes were able to parachute to safety. It was noted by many of the pilots in the large formation that there was persistent “jockeying” around for position during the flight. It was also noted by the other pilots that the number-two B-25 of the right-hand six-ship flight (Lt. Sydejko) had held an exceptionally tight and steady position for the entire flight up until the time of the collision.” (Mireles 2006, Vol. 2, July 1943-July 1944, pp. 684-685.)
Newspapers
Feb 12, AP: “Greenville, S.C., Feb 12 – (AP) – The Greenville army air base announced early this afternoon that no one had been saved in the crash of three bombers at the base early this morning. Col. Oliver H. Stout, commanding officer, said the names of the victims would be announced as soon as the next of kin have been notified. The planes were B-25 bombers, which normally carry from five to seven men each. The base is yet to reveal the exact number of men killed.
…….
“Greenville, S.C., Feb. 12 – (AP) – Three planes of the 334th bomb group crashed early today shortly after passing over a formation of the rest of the group standing at attention on the ground in review in the Greenville army air base….
“The planes, the base said, were flying in formation and touched wings in the air, subsequently crashing on the northern area of the base itself. Flames were observed before the planes hit about three-quarters of a mile from the men drawn up on the ground in review. The planes and the men were taking part in the usual Saturday morning review at the base, and the planes were flying low, probably around 500 feet, as is the custom on these occasions. The three planes which crashed were among 24 in the air at the time. All were in flying formation. The base said the wreckage was scattered over a wide area but that no damage resulted to installations.” (Associated Press. “Fliers Aboard Three Planes Die In Crash.” Daily Times News, Burlington, NC. 2-12-1944, p. 1.)
Feb 13, AP: “Flying Low Bombers Touch Wings and Crash at North End of Base.,,,
“Greenville, S.C., Feb 12 – (AP) – Nineteen men were killed today when three bombers of bomb group collided and crashed at the Greenville Army Air Base….
The Dead
Capt. Arthur W. Martin Jr., 2C, pilot, son of A. W. Martin of Fresno, Calif.
2nd Lt. Raymond C. Hutches Jr., 21 pilot, son of Mrs. Maude H. Hutches of Gary, Ind.
2nd Lt. Robert H. Temple, 22, pilot, husband of Mrs. Hetie H. Temple of Greenville.
2nd Lt. Warren F. Burtrain, 21; bombardier, husband of Mrs. Pauline F. Burtrain, of
Greenville.
Staff Sgt. Donald E. King, 23, radio, gunner, husband of Mrs. Lucille King of Greenville.
Sgt. Roy L. Foster, 20, engineer-gunner, son of Mrs. Carrie Foster, Morgantown, W.Va.
Sgt. Glen P. Brunnelle, 24, armored-gunner, son of Mrs. Marie L. Brunnelle of Springfield
Mass.
Cpl. Donald G. Kairles, 27, Photo technician, husband of Mrs. Geraldine T. Kairles of
Greenville.
2nd Lt. Henry J. Sydejko, 24, pilot, son of Mrs. George F. Sydejko, of Chippewa Falls, Wis.
2nd Lt. Aelred H. Staebler, 21, pilot, son of William B. Staebler of Morris, Minn.
2nd Lt. John J. Haeuer, 21, observer, son of Robert H. Haeuer of Memphis, Tenn.
Sgt. James E. Lott, 21, engineer-gunner, son of John G. Lott, Trinity, Texas.
Pvt. George W. Crowther, 20, Armored-gunner, son of Mrs. Lillie M. Crowther of Fair
Haven, Briston, Mass.
2nd Lt. Walter F. Raleigh, 25, pilot, son of Mrs. Mary M. Raleigh of Pittsford, Vt.
2nd Lt. Alfred Hanson, 23, pilot, husband of Mrs. Naomi G. Hanson of Racine, Wis.
2nd Lt. Paul C. Chamberlain, Jr., 20, bombardier, son of Mrs. Paul Chamberlain of
Aberdeen, Miss.
Sgt. John T. McNichol, 22, engineer-gunner, son of Mrs. Helen M. McNichol of Orange,
Essex county, N.J.
Sgt. David M. Schmidt, 22, armored-gunner, son of Mrs. Annie L. Schmidt of Athol,
Worcester, Mass.
Cpl. James L. Bristow photo technician, husband of Mrs. Rachel M. Bristow of
Greenville.”
(Associated Press. “19 Killed in Crash At Greenville. Three Bombers Collide During Weekly Review.” Florence Morning News, SC. 2-13-1944, pp. 1 and 10.)
Sources
Associated Press. “19 Killed in Crash At Greenville. Three Bombers Collide During Weekly Review.” Florence Morning News, SC. 2-13-1944, pp. 1 and 10. Accessed 4-14-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/florence-morning-news-feb-13-1944-p-1/
Associated Press. “Fliers Aboard Three Planes Die In Crash.” Daily Times News, Burlington, NC. 2-12-1944, p. 1. Accessed 4-14-2024 at:
https://newspaperarchive.com/burlington-daily-times-news-feb-12-1944-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