1944 — Feb 26, USAAF B-17 turbulence spinout crash, mts. 10M W Palmer Lake, CO –all 10

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 4-11-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–10  Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V2, July 1943-July 1944, p. 704.

–10  UP. “Reveal Names of Ten Killed In Bomber Crash.” Moorhead Daily News, MN. 5-23-1944, p.1.

Narrative Information

Mireles: “At 2140 MWT, a Boeing B-171:7 flying in poor weather crashed on a mountain ten miles west of Palmer Lake, Col­orado, killing ten crewmembers. The airplane took off from Clovis Army Air Field, Clovis, New Mexico, at 1911 MWT on a high-altitude navigation training flight to Lowry Field, Denver, Colorado, and return. The airplane successfully completed the first leg of the flight, flying at about 20,000 feet indicated and en­countering no adverse weather conditions. The airplane flew the return leg at 9,000 feet, apparently encoun­tering very unfavorable weather conditions that existed along the chosen course. The airplane failed to return to Clovis and was soon declared missing. Despite a massive search effort, the airplane was not discovered until 5-22-44. Investigation of the wreckage indicated that the airplane had smashed into a mountain while in a spin. All four engines were apparently operating. Investigators speculated that the pilots had allowed the airplane to stall and enter a spin while flying in in­strument conditions at night.”  (Mireles 2006, Vol. 2, July 1943-July 1944, p. 704.)

 

Newspaper

 

May 23, UP: “Colorado Springs, Colo., May 23 (UP) – Names of 10 army fliers who were killed when their bomber crashed in rugged country near Palmer Lake, Colo., almost three months ago were announced today at Peterson field. None ere from Minnesota. The plane crashed February 26, while flying from Denver toward its base at Clovis, N.M., but the wreckage was not located until Saturday. The bodies were brought out of the mountains on horseback.” (United Press. “Reveal Names of Ten Killed In Bomber Crash.” Moorhead Daily News, MN. 5-23-1944, p. 1.)

 

Sources

 

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.

 

United Press. “Reveal Names of Ten Killed In Bomber Crash.” Moorhead Daily News, MN. 5-23-1944, p. 1. Accessed 4-11-2024 at:

https://newspaperarchive.com/moorhead-daily-news-may-23-1944-p-1/