1943 – Oct 24, USAAF YB-29 takeoff crash, Smoky Hill Army Air Field, Salina, KS — 10
Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 4-24-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/
–10 AP. “Ten Die in Crash. Army Bomber Fell 200…” Lawrence Daily Journal-World, KS. 10-25-1943, 1.
–10 Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V2, July 1943-July 1944, p. 561.
Narrative Information
Mireles: “At 1348 CWT, a Boeing YB-29 crashed while attempting a three-engine take-off at Smokey Hill Army Air Field, Salina, Kansas, killing 10 crewmembers and seriously injuring another who miraculously survived. Investigators stated,
“The aircraft had made one previous take-off and landing during this mission. Seven minutes elapsed between landing and the next take-off, and apparently the aircraft was operating satisfactorily. The second take-off was on three engines from a standing start with the number-four engine windmilling. The take-off was to the north and used approximately half of the [5,000-foot] runway. During the latter part of the take-off run, the aircraft veered to the right but apparently did not leave the line of the runway until well into the air. The take-off was right wing low. At about the time the aircraft was airborne, it appears probable the pilot attempted to bring in number-four engine, possibly to gain directional control. The attempt apparently failed possibly because of too rapid use of the throttles. The aircraft continued in a climbing turn to the right until it had turned about 90 degrees, reaching 200 to 300 feet altitude. The bank increased to practically vertical; at which time [the airplane].stalled completely. The nose then fell and the turn increased to more than 180 degrees by the time the aircraft struck the ground in practically a vertical position on the right wingtip and nose. [The aircraft] was apparently in a partial stall throughout the flight. The force of the momentum appeared to be in a general easterly direction. As the air craft disintegrated, the entire wing section turned an other 180 degrees on the longitudinal axis of the aircraft and was turned completely over on the lateral axis (parallel to the spars). It came to rest with the lower surface up, trailing edge to the north and right wing to the east. The engines were broken off on the initial impact. The tail section was broken off at the same time and thrown to the southeast where it landed right side up. The fuel cells exploded immediately on impact and burst into flames. The rear gunner compartment was practically intact. The rear gunner escaped through the escape hatch. The bodies of seven of the personnel were found in the central part of the wreckage and the other three were in the forward part of the tail section”.” (Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V2, July 1943-July 1944, p. 561.)
Newspaper
Oct 25, AP: “Salina, Kan., Oct. 25. (AP) – Ten of 11 men aboard a 4-motored army bomber which crashed at the Smoky Hill army air field Sunday were killed in the accident, the eleventh escaped with only minor injuries. The only survivor of the crash was Sgt. Oscar H. Bolt, Tucson, Ariz., who climbed from the blazing wreckage. Lt. W. E. Deloache, base public relations officer, said the plane had just taken off and had reached an altitude of about 200 feet when some unknown trouble forced it down. Two of the victims, Capt. Walter W. Foltz and 2nd Lt. Ray7 H. Shirk, had wives living in Salina. None of the other me killed was from Kansas.” (AP. “Ten Die in Crash. Army Bomber Fell 200 Feet at Smoky Hill Base Sunday.” Lawrence Daily Journal-World, KS. 10-25-1943, p. 1.)
Sources
Associated Press. “Ten Die in Crash. Army Bomber Fell 200 Feet at Smoky Hill Base Sunday.” Lawrence Daily Journal-World, KS. 10-25-1943, 1. Accessed 4-24-2024 at:
https://newspaperarchive.com/lawrence-daily-journal-world-oct-25-1943-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.