1944 – March 6, USAAF B-17G breaks-up and crashes 5M NE of Maxwell, IA –all 10
Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 4-11-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/
–10 AP. “10 Die As Army Bomber Crashes in Iowa Storm.” Ottumwa Daily Courier, 3-6-1944, 1.
–10 Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V2, July 1943-July 1944, p. 714.
Narrative Information
Mireles: “At 0601 CWT, a Boeing B-17G suffered a catastrophic structural failure and crashed five miles northeast of Maxwell, Iowa, killing the crew of ten…. Investigators stated,
Aircraft was part of a group of 39 dispatched from Kearney Army Air Field, Kearney, Nebraska, to Presque Isle, Maine. Aircraft were dispatched individually with 1,000-foot separation and 15 minute time separation at identical altitudes. Altitudes assigned were from 15,000 feet to 22,000 feet. These aircraft were dispatched during a two and a half hour period, between 0400 and 0630 CWT. This aircraft departed Kearney at 0431 CWT. Normal contact was made with this aircraft by the Des Moines [Iowa] Radio Range Station at 0559 CWT Pilot reported flying at 15,000 feet and requested an altimeter setting. This was given and aircraft received it. Minutes later the airplane was seen to crash…. Investigation revealed that the tail section had separated from the airplane before it crashed. The tail section, minus both horizontal stabilizers and elevators, was found about one quarter mile from the main wreckage. The tail gunner was found in the wreckage. The starboard horizontal stabilizer and elevator were found about two miles from the main wreckage. The port horizontal stabilizer was found about a mile and a half From the scene of the main wreckage. The port elevator could not be found. The tail section apparently failed at the after end of the dorsal fin where it meets the vertical fin. It was later speculated that the horizontal stabilizers and elevators failed when the pilots attempted to pull the airplane out of an unusual attitude probably caused by a faulty artificial horizon. Investigators noted that artificial horizon instruments manufactured by Jack and Heintz Manufacturing Company had an unusually high failure rate and suggested that their use be discontinued.” (Mireles 2006, Vol. 2, p. 714.)
Newspaper
March 6, AP: “Kearney, Neb. (AP) – Ten men were killed early today when an army bomber from the Kearney air base crashed near Maxwell, Iowa, in a snow and wind storm, Col. Charles C. Coppin, commander of the base, said. The plane had taken off from the base earlier today with a full crew, Colonel Coppin said.
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“Maxwell, Iowa. (AP) – An army bomber crashed near here during a snow and wind storm about 6 a.m. today and persons who inspected the wreckage said six or more fliers were killed. The plane crashed on the Cleat Donahoo farm two miles north and two miles east of here. The scene of the crash was 40 miles northeast of Des Moines.
“Mr. and Mrs. Donahoo witnessed the crash from their bedroom window. They said an explosion apparently occurred before the ship fell and it was burning as it reached the ground. The Maxwell fire department was called. The wreckage was still burning at 10 a.m.
“The plane fell in a pasture about 80 yards south of the Donahoo barn.” (Associated Press. “10 Die As Army Bomber Crashes in Iowa Storm.” Ottumwa Daily Courier, IA. 3-6-1944, p. 1.)
Sources
Associated Press. “10 Die As Army Bomber Crashes in Iowa Storm.” Ottumwa Daily Courier, IA. 3-6-1944, p. 1. Accessed 4-11-2024 at:
https://newspaperarchive.com/ottumwa-daily-courier-mar-06-1944-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.