1943 – April 26, USAAF B-24D structural failure crash 9M NE of Ballinger, TX — 10
Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 5-11-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/
–10 AP. “Ten Men Die In Bomber Crash.” Lubbock Morning Avalanche, TX. 4-27-1943, p. 1.
–10 Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V. 1 Jan 1941-June 1943, p. 351.
Narrative Information
Mireles: “At 1132, a Consolidated B-24D flying in instrument conditions broke up in flight and crashed nine miles northeast of Ballinger, Texas, killing the crew of ten….The B24 was part of a six-ship formation that took off from Clovis Army Air Base, New Mexico, on a flight to Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas. Investigators stated,
Airplane was in No. 2 position of the leading element of a six-ship formation. The mission was scheduled for 25,000 feet. At that altitude, the formation was flying above an up-sloping overcast. At 25,000 feet it was found necessary to climb or enter instrument conditions. The flight commander, unable to do the former, broke [up] the formation [and] instructed all ships to climb and reassemble on top. Four airplanes broke away, climbed and were on top at 29,000 to 31,000 feet. No turbulence or icing was encountered. The fifth airplane turned 180 degrees and descended straight ahead. No heavy turbulence was encountered though there was indication of some carburetor ice, but no wing ice. [The subject airplane] was last seen turning 90 degrees to the original heading.
“Investigators speculated that the airplane suffered a catastrophic structural failure at high altitude, causing the airplane to break up and fall to the ground out of control. Investigators could not determine the cause of the in-flight break-up or what part of the airframe failed first.” (Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V. 1 Jan 1941-Jun 1943, p. 351.)
Newspaper
April 26, AP: “Ballinger, April 26 (AP) – Ten bodies were brought to an undertaking establishment here after a four-engined bomber crashed and burned nine miles northwest of here about noon today. Authorities here had not released the names of the victims nor their base, but at Clovis, N.M. Army officers indicated the bomber had been based there.” (Associated Press. “Ten Men Die In Bomber Crash.” Lubbock Morning Avalanche, TX. 4-27-1943, p. 1.)
Sources
Associated Press. “Ten Men Die In Bomber Crash.” Lubbock Morning Avalanche, TX. 4-27-1943, p. 1. Accessed 5-11-2024 at:
https://newspaperarchive.com/lubbock-morning-avalanche-apr-27-1943-p-1/
Mireles, Anthony J. Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation Accidents in the United States, 1941-1945 (Volume 1: Introduction, January 1941 – June 1943). Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Co., 2006.