20th Century

1945 – May 6, USAAF C-46 carrying litter patients, hits radar towers, Gibbets Hill, UK–31

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard for: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/  Last edit 12-6-2023.

–33  United Press. “Servicemen Killed in Transport Crash.” Charleroi Mail, PA, 5-10-2023, p.4.

–31  Aviation Safety Network. USAAF C-46 crash, Hindhead, UK, May 6, 1945. (Cites Gero)

–31  Gero, David. Military Aviation Disasters: Significant Losses Since 1908. 1999, pp. 30-31. 

–30  AAP. “Thirty Deaths in Plane Crash.” The Mercury, Hobart, Australia. 5-10-1945, p. 3.

[All thirty people on the plane died. Additionally one person on the ground was killed.]

–30  Baugher, Joe. 1944 USAAF Serial Numbers (44-70255 to 44-83885). 6-10-2023 revision.

 

–31  Blanchard: We choose to rely on Gero, a reliable source who had access to military accident

reports, for the notation of 31 deaths. Baugher is also a reliable source and he notes thirty

deaths, which is the death-toll for the occupants of the plane. He makes no mention of the

Canadian miliary man who was working at the RAF station and was also killed.

Narrative Information

 

Baugher, Joe. 1944 USAAF Serial Numbers (44-70255 to 44-83885). 6-10-2023 revision:

“….Curtiss C-46D-10-CU Commando….77839 struck tower Hindhead, UK while fling visual in IMC [instrument meteorological conditions] May 6, 1945. 30 killed.”

 

Gero:

“Date:                          6 May 1945 (12:54)

“Location:                   Hindhead, Surrey, England

“Operator:                   US Army Air Forces

“Aircraft type:             Curtiss-Wright C-46D (44-77839)

 

“Loaded with litter patients being brought back from the Continent, the twin-engine transport crashed and burned after striking the tops of radar towers located on Gibbets Hill, 25 miles (40km) south-west of London. A total of 31 military personnel lost their lives in the crash, one of them a Canadian who was on the ground in a hut struck by falling debris and the rest aboard the aircraft; except for three British, the latter were all Americans, including the crew of five assigned to 44-77839. There were no survivors.

 

“Flying through a valley close to the terrain on account of a low overcast, with 8/10 cloud coverage at 600ft (180m) and a visibility of 3 miles (5km), the aircraft was bound for Newbury, Berkshire, England, when it hit the tops of the towers, which rose to 240 ft (70m) above the ground, the impact shearing off the starboard wing. The accident was attributed to pilot error, specifically, his attempt to maintain contact (visual) flight rules in the instrument meteorological conditions. An additional factor may have been the absence of lights on the towers and the fact that the obstacles were not indicated on regional flight charges.”

 

Newspaper

 

May 10, AAP: “London, Wed. (AAP). – An American transport plane returning from the Continent crashed at Hindhead on Sunday. It is believed over 40 English and American passengers and crew were killed. The plane was flying low through rain and mist, and collided with an RAF radio pylon.” (AAP. “Thirty Deaths in Plane Crash.” The Mercury, Hobart, Australia. 5-10-1945, p.3.)

 

May 10, UP: “London, May 10 (AP) – Thirty-two American and British servicemen were killed at Hindhead Sunday when an American transport plane from the continent crashed into pylons of an RAF radio location station, it was disclosed today. One man working in the station also was killed.” (United Press. “Servicemen Killed in Transport Crash.” Charleroi Mail, PA, 5-10-2023, p.4.)

Sources

 

AAP (Australian Associated Press) “Thirty Deaths in Plane Crash.” The Mercury, Hobart, Australia. 5-10-1945, p. 3. Accessed 12-7-2023 at:

https://newspaperarchive.com/hobart-mercury-may-10-1945-p-3/

 

Aviation Safety Network. USAAF C-46 crash, Hindhead, UK, May 6, 1945. Accessed 12-6-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19450506-1

 

Baugher, Joseph F. 1944 USAAF Serial Numbers (44-70255 to 44-83885). 6-10-2023 revision. Accessed 12-6-2023 at: https://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1944_5.html

 

Gero, David. Military Aviation Disasters: Significant Losses Since 1908. UK and Newbury Park, CA: Patrick Stephens Limited, an imprint of Hayes Publishing, 1999. 

 

United Press. “Servicemen Killed in Transport Crash.” Charleroi Mail, PA, 5-10-2023, p. 4. Accessed 12-7-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/charleroi-mail-may-10-1945-p-4/

 

 

 

1945 — May 6, Two USAAF B-17 Planes Collide near Esler Field, Alexandria, LA–       18

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard for: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/  Last edit 12-6-2023.

–18  Baugher, Joseph F. 1942 USAAF Serial Numbers 42-001 to 42-10959). June 2, 2023 rev.

            –9  Boeing B-17F       #42-5355

            –9  Boeing B-17G      #42-31948

–18  Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V3, Aug 1944-Dec 1945, 1092.

–18  UP. “Texan Missing After Mid-air Plane Crash.” Taylor Daily Press, TX. 5-8-1945, p. 7.

            —  7 dead

            –11 missing

–11  Brownsville Herald, TX. “9 Dead, 2 Missing As Planes Collide.” 5-9-1945, p. 5.

            –9 dead

            –2 missing [one, William Gonzalez, is noted in an obituary as dying on May 6, 1945.]

Narrative Information

 

Baugher on B-17F 42-5355: “….Boeing B-17F-50-BO Fortress….5355 (MSN 3894)….329th Combat Crew Training Squadron, Alexandria Field, LA. Crashed after a mid-air collision with B-17G 42-31948 on a 54-aircraft practice flight at Louisiana Rapides, ten miles northwest of Alexandria 6May45 (9KIS)…” (Baugher, Joseph F. 1942 USAAF Serial Numbers 42-001 to 42-10959). June 2, 2023 revision.

 

Baugher on B17G 42-31948: “….Boeing B-17G-35-BO Fortress….(MSN 7062)…329th Combat Crew Training Squadron, Alexandria Field, LAC, Alexandria Field, LA…Crashed after a mid-air collision with B-17F 42-5355 on a 54-aircraft practice flight at Louisiana Rapides, ten miles northwest of Alexandria 6May45 (9KIS).”

 

Mireles: “At 1515 CWT, a Boeing B-17F and a B-17G collided in mid­air and crashed one mile southwest of Esler Field, Alexandria, Louisiana, killing 18 fliers…. The two sub­ject airplanes were part of a 54-ship formation that was returning to Esler Field following a wing formation practice. The bombers in the wing formation were un­able to drop their load of practice bombs because of low ceilings over the range. B-17F #42-5355 was the lead ship of the second element of the low squadron of the low group; B-17G #42-31948 was flying in the number-two position of the first element of the same flight. B-17 #42-5355 was too close to the lead ship of the first element; B-17G #42-31948 was above and to the right of the B-17F. The B-17G began to drift to the left and collided with the B-17F. Both airplanes broke up and burst into flames as they separated. The flaming wrecks plummeted to earth and exploded upon impact.”  (Mireles 2006, p. 1092.)

 

Newspaper

 

May 8, UP: “Alexandria, La., May 8 (U.P.) – Officials at the Alexandria, Louisiana Army Air Field revealed today that seven men were killed and eleven others are missing in a mid-air collision of two huge bombers near Esler Air Field, Louisiana. The mid-air crash between the two four-engined bombers occurred Sunday [May 6]. Both planes were on a combat training flight. Noe of the dead were from Texas, but Second Lieutenant William Gonzales of Houston, Texas, was listed as missing.” (UP. “Texan Missing After Mid-air Plane Crash.” Taylor Daily Press, TX. 5-8-1945, p. 7.)

 

May 9: “Alexandria, LA. – Nine men were killed and two are still missing following the collision of two four-engined-bombers near Esler Field May 6. Col. Quentin T. Quick, commanding officer of the Alexandria army air field, yesterday issued this incomplete list:

 

“Dead

2nd lt. Kenneth P. Klaasen, Holland, Mich.

Flight Officer Angelo G. Gagliardi, Cleveland Ohio.

2nd Lt. Davis L. Prescott, Jr., husband of Mrs. Wava L. Prescott, Idana, Kansas.

Sgt. Hoyt A Young, Bristow,, Okla.

Sgt. William W. Rooker, Rome, Ga.

Sgt. George P. Cirzan, Chicago, Ill.

Cpl. Robert L. Stoutenburg, Plano, Ill.

 

“Those still missing and their next of kin who have been notified are:

 

2nd Lt. William Gonzalez, husband of Mrs. Karyl R. Gonzalez…Houston, Texas. [Dead][1]

2nd Lt. Wendell R. Stanley, Inglewood, Calif.

 

(Brownsville Herald, TX. “9 Dead, 2 Missing As Planes Collide.” 5-9-1945, p. 5.)

 

Sources

 

Baugher, Joseph F. 1942 USAAF Serial Numbers 42-001 to 42-10959). June 2, 2023 revision.

Accessed 12-6-2023 at: https://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1942_1.html

 

Brownsville Herald, TX. “9 Dead, 2 Missing As Planes Collide.” 5-9-1945, p. 5. Accessed 12-5-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/brownsville-herald-may-09-1945-p-25/

 

Mireles, Anthony J.  Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation Accidents in the United States, 1941-1945 (Volume 3:  August 1944 – December 1945). Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Co., 2006.

 

United Press. “Texan Missing After Mid-air Plane Crash.” Taylor Daily Press, TX. 5-8-1945, p. 7. Accessed 12-5-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/taylor-daily-press-may-08-1945-p-7/

 

 

 

 

 

[1] Dignitymemorial.com. “Obituary. William Karl Gonzalez, January 9, 1943 – May 16, 2023.” Notes his father, 2nd Lieutenant William Gonzalez, married to Karyl Ellen Graeff Gonzalez, died in May 1945 while serving in the Army Air Corps.

1945 — May 5, Civilian US Steam Collier Black Point Torpedoed, off Point Judith, RI– 12

— 12 Arnold. “The Final Hours of U-853, Boston Globe, reprinted in Andrews, Tempest, p.143.
— 12 Berman. Encyclopedia of American Shipwrecks. 1972, p. 14.

Narrative Information

Arnold: “The fog had lifted, unveiling the antiquated steamer Black Point, chugging in the late afternoon sun along the Rhode Island coastline. On 5 May 1945, she was just off Point Judith and the Newport Naval Base, en route to the Edison plant in South Boston with a full load of coal. Most of the 46 crew members were finishing their regular Saturday meal when Oberleutnant Helmut Froemsdorf, at periscope depth 1000 yards away, took aim.

“Captain Prior of Black Point never saw what hit the ship….The warships on the far side of Block Island, never heard or saw the explosion. Not until after the lead ship was well past the site did the ships reverse course, return to Rhode Island, locate the submarine and then spend 16 hours hammering it to death with depth charges and hedgehogs. Twelve Americans died on Black Point, and all 55 Germans in U-853 were entombed.

“Black Point was the last American ship torpedoed by the Germans in the war. It was the only American ship sunk by a foreign navy this close to the mainland since the War of 1812….

“The attack is not well known today, partly because the navy censored reports of it until after the German surrender. By then, V-E Day dominated the headlines, and a submarine attack off Newport received but modest mention.” (Arnold. “The Final Hours of U-853, Boston Globe, reprinted in Andrews, Tempest, p.143.)

Sources

Andrews, Lewis M. Tempest, Fire & Foe. Trafford Publishing, 2004.

Arnold, David. “The Final Hours of U-853, Boston Globe, reprinted in Andrews, Lewis M. Jr. Tempest, Fire and Foe, p. 143.

Berg, Daniel. Wreck Valley Vol. II: A Record of Shipwrecks off Long Island’s South Shore and New Jersey. Wahoo Edition. East Rockaway, NY: Aqua Explorers, Inc. 1990.

Berman, Bruce D. Encyclopedia of American Shipwrecks. Boston: Mariners Press Inc., 1972.

1945 — May 5, USAAF C-54 takeoff climb crash into bluff, Manus Island, New Guinea –all 21

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard for: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/  Last edit 12-8-2023.

–21  Aviation Safety Network. USAAF C-54 crash into bluff, Manus Island (Papua New Guinea).

–21  Baugher, Joseph F. 1944 USAAF Serial Numbers (44-001 to 44-30910) 8-24-2023 rev.

–21  Gero, David. Military Aviation Disasters: Significant Losses Since 1908. 1999, p. 30.

Narrative Information

 

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 79:
“Date:                          Saturday 5 May 1945

“Time:                         22:26

“Type:                         Douglas C-54E-1-DO (DC-4)

“Operator:                   United States Army Air Force – USAAF

“Registration:              44-9043

“MSN:                         27269

“First flight:                1945

“Crew:                         Fatalities:   6 / Occupants:   6

“Passengers:                Fatalities: 15 / Occupants: 15

“Total:                         Fatalities: 21 / Occupants: 21

….

“Location:                   Manus Island (Papua New Guinea)

“Phase:                        En route (ENR)

“Nature:                      Military

“Departure airport:      Lorengau Airfield, Papua New Guinea

“Destination airport:   Biak-Sorido Airfield, Indonesia

“Narrative:                  The Skymaster departed Sorido Airstrip. After takeoff the pilot did not

turn away to clear rising terrain. The aircraft flew into a bluff at an

elevation of about 500 feet (150 m). It was deemed possible that the flaps

were retracted too soon after takeoff.

(Blanchard note: The destination airport is noted as Biak-Sorido, yet the narrative has the departure airport as Sorido Airstrip.]

 

Baugher, Joseph F. 1944 USAAF Serial Numbers (44-001 to 44-30910) 8-24-2023 revision:

 

“….Douglas C-54E-1-DO Dkymaster….9043 (MSN 27269) struck high ground after takeoff Manus Island, New Guinea May 5, 1945. All 21 onboard killed. MACR 15693.”

 

Gero. Military Aviation Disasters: Significant Losses Since 1908. 1999, p. 30.

 

“Date:                          5 May 1945 (22:26 [10:26 pm])

“Location:                   Territory of New Guinea

“Operator:                   US Army Air Forces

“Aircraft type:             Douglas C-54-E (44-9043)

 

“The four-engine transport crashed and burst into flames on Manus, one of the Admiralty Islands[1] in the Bismarck Archipelago region, killing all 21 American servicemen aboard (15 passengers and a crew of six). Having taken off shortly before from the Sorido airstrip, on an intra-island flight, the C-54 slammed into a bluff at an approximate elevation of 500ft (150m). The accident occurred on a dark, moonless night, but the local weather conditions were otherwise good, with a ceiling of around 2,000 ft (600m) and unrestricted visibility under the clouds. A slight breeze was blowing our of the north-west.

 

“Due to the complete destruction of the aircraft, it was not possible to determine the cause of the crash. However, its direction at the moment of impact indicated that the pilot did not made a turn away from the rising terrain as soon as he reached the minimum safe altitude for such a maneuver.

 

“Subsequently, the flight operations officer for the airfield issued a directive that aircraft departing on the same north-westerly heading as had 44-9043, initiate a left turn upon reaching a sufficient height and not more than 45 seconds after take-off. The investigative report also emphasized the importance of attaining a minimum altitude of 1,000ft (300m) before flap retraction in night operations of the C-54, which in this case was apparently not done.”

 

Sources

 

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 79. USAAF Douglas C-54E crash into bluff, Manus Island (Papua New Guinea), 5 May 1945.” Accessed 12-8-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19450505-0

 

Baugher, Joseph F. 1944 USAAF Serial Numbers (44-001 to 44-30910) 8-24-2023 revision. Accessed 12-8-2023 at: https://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1944_1.html

 

Gero, David. Military Aviation Disasters: Significant Losses Since 1908. UK and Newbury Park, CA: Patrick Stephens Limited, an imprint of Hayes Publishing, 1999. 

 

Wikipedia. “Admiralty Islands campaign.” 11-26-2023 edit. Accessed 12-8-2023 at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Admiralty_Islands_campaign

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] The Admiralty Islands were liberated from Japan by the US on May 18, 1945 in the New Guinea campaign.

1945 — May 4, four USN/USAAF aircraft crashes, Ft. Baker, Pinedale, ~March Field, CA ~Caylor, VA–25

Compiled Nov 20, 2023 by Wayne Blanchard for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–4  USN Beechcraft AT-11 hits Cumberland Mountain, VA, near Caylor, flying low in heavy fog.

–7  USN PBY-5A Catalina takeoff crash into hillside, ~Fort Baker, San Francisco Bay area.

–6  USAAF B-26 engine cutting out after takeoff, crash Hwy-41, Pinedale, CA.

–8  USAAF B-24J 4-engine bomber crash after March Field, CA takeoff, about eight miles NW.

 

Narrative Information

 

Aircraft 1: US Navy Beechcraft crashed and burned on Cumberland Mt. VA. Mt. in heavy fog.

 

–5  Aviation Safety Network. USN Beechcraft JRB-4 crash Gaylor Mt. TN (3M N Caylor area. VA?).

–4  Middlesboro Daily News, KY. “Memorializes Victims.” 5-8-1945, p. 2.

–3  Middlesboro Daily News, KY. “Crash Kills Three at Caylor KY. Last Evening.” 5-5-1945, p1.

Aviation Safety Network. USN Beechcraft JRB-4 crash Gaylor Mt. TN:

“Date:                          Friday 4 May 1945

“Time:                         20:15

“Type:                         Beechcraft JRB-4 (C-45)

“Owner/operator:        United States Navy (USN)

“Registration:              44591

….

“Fatalities:                   Fatalities: 5 / Occupants: 5

“Location:                   Gaylor Mountain, TN (Narrative indicates the side of Stone Mountain.)

“Phase:                        En route

“Nature:                       Military

“Departure airport:      NAS Anacostia, DC (17:28)

“Destination airport:    Dayton, OH

“Narrative:                   Crashed and burned on a side of Stone Mountain, 14 miles east of
Middleboro, KY, while flying low in heavy fog.”

 

May 5, Middlesboro Daily News, KY: “A crash that is known to have been fatal to three occurred in the mountains near Caylor, Va., at 7:15 last evening when a Beachcraft [Beechcraft] AT-11 Navy plane crashed and immediately exploded. The plane was based at the United States Naval Air Station at Anacostia, D.C. ‘The plane entered a fog bank, flew into the mountain, and immediately exploded,’ said Jack Colson of the local airport, who was first called at 7:30 by the Rev. A. E. Robertson of Wheeler [Wheeler VA is near Caylor VA to the west, close to the KY border to the north and the TN border to the south]…Of the three victims, only one had been positively identified, Leopold Joseph Smernoff, of the Anacostia Air Station.

 

“….One of the unidentified victims was a lieutenant-colonel in the Marines, said Colson, whom he thought was probably the pilot of the plane. The other was a member of the crew.

 

“….Tip Brooks, Caylor merchant, said today that the site of the crash is near the worked out mine of the Chadwell Coal Company in the mountains three miles back of his store. He said he plainly heard the crash of the plane which was headed north. He said first visitors to the scene returned to his store about midnight….“Colson said…that the plane crashed into trees.” (Middlesboro Daily News, KY. “Plane Crash Kills Three at Caylor Va. Last Evening.” 5-5-1945, p. 1.)

 

May 8, Middlesboro Daily News, KY: “Four miles west of Ewing, Va., is located the prosperous and quiet village of Caylor, Va. Caylor is situated ten miles east of Historic Cumberland Gap, Tenn, 2 miles south of the Kentucky state line; and 3 miles north of the Tennessee state line, on Highway 58 and 412. Erected at Caylor is a ‘marker’ erected by Va. Dept. of Highways, in memory of the death in 1773 of a son of Daniel Boone…

 

“As night was drawing nigh on the evening of Friday, May 4th, 1945, farmers and housewives were completing their daily chores preparatory to retiring for sleep… The sky was filled with clouds. Heavy fog came from the top of Cumberland Mountain causing the mountain to be practically hidden. Suddenly the whir of the motor of a plane was heard from the south. Swiftly and low flew the plane over the Boone monument…People gasped, knowing the plane would soon crash into the side of the mountain unless the course of the plane was changed. Within 30 seconds after passing over Caylor, the plane was lost in sight and immediately a crash was heard. Immediately, a fire was seen through the fog. Immediately tired boys and men, ages ranging from 12 to past 70 years of age, began wending their way to the point of the crash. Following a trail to the top of Cumberland Mountain these people turned west for a few hundred yards. Then, down the side of the mountain, through briars and other undergrowth, these men wended their way some 100 yards…At the foot of a 20 ft. rock cliff, lay the remains of the occupants of the plane and the plane – a Beachcraft AT-11 Naval plane. Investigation disclosed that the destination of the plane and the occupants was Dayton, O. …. Identified were the following occupants of the plane:

 

“Lieut. Col. J. F. Walters, USMC, 34, husband of Mrs. Mary G. Walters, Rockville, Md.

 

“Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class, L. J. Smernoff, 23…

 

“Lieut. Col. E. F. Svass [word very unclear], USMC, 344, Washington, D.C. …

 

“Seaman First Class Thomas Eugene Habbs [word unclear], USN, husband of Reba Mildred Habbs, ..Long Beach Calif. ….”

 

(Middlesboro Daily News, KY. “Memorializes Victims.” 5-8-1945, p. 2.)

 

Aircraft 2: US Navy PBY-5A Catalina crash into hillside, turbulence, near Fort Baker, CA.

 

–10  Wikipedia. “List of accidents and incidents involving military aircraft (1945-1949).”

—  9  Aviation Archaeological Investigation & Research website. “Consolidated PBY Catalina…”

—  9  United Press. “25 Killed in 3 Air Crashes.” San Mateo Times, CA. 5-5-1945, p. 1.)

—  8  Military Investigation report.

(Names pilot and then names other personnel noting “A” for fatal and “B” for injured. There are seven other names with “A” noted and 3 with B noted. The Aviation AI&R webpage notes that the pilot, Lt (jg) USNR Robert Moment, as a fatality as well.

—  7  Aviation Safety Network. USN PBY-51 Catalina hits hillside after takeoff, San Fran. Bay area.

—  7  Baugher. US Navy and US Marine Corps BuNos Third Series (39999 to 50359).  8-7-2011.

 

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 79 (USN PBY-5A):

“Date:                          Friday 4 May 1945

“Type:                         Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina

“Operator:                   United States Navy

“Registration:              48416                                      ….

“Total:                         Fatalities: 7 / Occupants: 9     ….

“Location:                   San Francisco Bay, CA

“Phase:                        Initial climb (ICL)

“Nature:                       Military                                    ….

“Narrative:                   Lost in takeoff accident from San Francisco Bay and hit hillside.”

 

Baugher: “48416 (VPB-84) lost in takeoff accident from San Francisco Bay and hit hillside 5/4/1945. 7 killed, 2 injured.” (Baugher, Joseph F. US Navy and US Marine Corps BuNos Third Series (39999 to 50359).  8-7-2011 revision.)

 

Wikipedia. “List of accidents and incidents involving military aircraft (1945-1949).”:

[Blanchard note. Cited is the Aviation Archaeological Investigation & Research website. We went to footed page and found a somewhat dim photograph of the military investigation report of this incident. The language in this Wikipedia page is an edited section from that report.]

 

“Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina BU #48416, assigned to NAS Alameda, California crashed into Mount Tamalpais [approximately 13-14 miles northwest of Sausalito] three and 3⁄4 miles northeast of Alcatraz. The PBY-5A Catalina aircraft had taken off from Naval Air Station Alameda, California, at 1241, May 4, 1945, with an operational load, including 1050 gallons of fuel and 4 depth charges. Five miles northwest of the field in the vicinity of Alcatraz Island, aircraft encountered a lowering of the ceiling. Pilot radioed the tower and asked for instrument clearance to climb through overcast which was granted. About 5 minutes later the plane encountered severe turbulence and downdrafts. The port wing tip stuck to the side of the hill, causing this wing to be torn off and catapulting this plane down the hill to the left where it crashed and burned. Nine officers and an enlisted man were killed: Lieut. Comdr. Norman W. White, Oakland, CA, Lieut. (jg) Robert Moment, Plainfield, NJ, First pilot; Lieut. (jg) John Leonard Hart, Seattle, WA, second pilot; Ens. Carlton Cushing Jr., Fairhaven, MA, second pilot; Frank Spofford Jr., West Oxford, MA, aviation machinist mate 1c; Leo Benjamin Ibelli, Brooklyn, NY, aviation machinist mate 3c, Frank Paul Zappacosta, Lynn, MA, aviation radioman 1cl William Thomas Ford, Delaware, OH, aviation radioman 2c. Johnnie Samuel Owens, Bakersfield, CA aviation radioman 3c. The two enlisted men that were injured: Harold Robert Dole, Lorraine, OH, aviation ordnanceman.”

 

May 5, UP: “San Franciso, May 5. – (U.P.) – Nine officers and enlisted men were killed and two enlisted men were injured in the crash of a navy Catalina flying boat yesterday off the Golden Gate, the navy announced today. The plane struck a fog-bound hill southwest of Sausalito near Fort Baker. The two enlisted men, who suffered first degree face and hand burns, were thrown clear of the plane and summoned aid. All the bodies were recovered.” (United Press. “25 Killed in 3 Air Crashes.” San Mateo Times, CA. 5-5-1945, p. 1.)

 

Aircraft 3: USAAF TB-26B engine problem after takeoff, crash, Hwy-41, 1.5M N Pinedale, CA.

 

–6  AP. “Army Reveals Names of Six Air Crash Victims.” The Modesto Bee, CA. 5-5-1945, p. 5.

–6  Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 79 (USAAF TB-26B).

 

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 79 (USAAF TB-26B):

“Date:                          Friday 4 May 1945

“Time:                         13:30

“Type:                         Martin TB-26B Marauder

“Owner/Operator:       United States Army Air Force (USAAF)

“Registration:              41-18241

….

“Fatalities:                   Fatalities: 6 / Occupants: 6

….

“Location:                   1.5M N Pinedale, CA – USA

“Phase:                        Initial climb

“Nature:                       Military

“Departure airport:      Hammer Field, Fresno, California

“Destination airport:    return to same

“Narrative:                   Crashed. TB-26B Marauder #41-18241, 450th Base Unit, crashed onto

Highway 41 just north of the Pinedale neighborhood of Fresno, California,

two minutes after takeoff from Hammer Field. The pilot radioed the control

tower that his engine was cutting out and he was cleared for an immediate

return to the field.

 

“All six airmen aboard were killed:

 

2nd Lt. Arthur C. Middleton, Jr., O-743474, CA, Pilot
2nd Lt. Bernard Prizer, O-763854, OH, Co-Pilot
Sgt. Joseph J. Hizny, 13116832, PA, Flight Engineer
Sgt. John B. Szucs, 32673163, NY, Passenger
Cpl. Paul Brown, 19062983, TX, Passenger
Cpl. Paul E. Redhead, 35059659, OH, Flight Engineer.”

 

May 5, AP: “Fresno, May 5. – (AP) – Authorities at the Hammer Field Army Air Base today made public the names of six army airmen killed late yesterday in the crash of a twin-engined army bomber 10 miles north of here. They were:

 

“Second Lieutenant Arthur C. Middleton, 20, the pilot, son of Mrs. Mary K. Chambers, Long Beach.

“Second Lieutenant Bernard Prizer, 27, copilot…resided at Cleveland, O., before entering the service.

“Sergeant Joseph J. Hlzny, 23, whose widow, Anna Mae, resides at Pittston, Pa.

“Sergeant John B. Szuca, 29, son of Mrs. Mary Szuca, Machias, N.Y.

“Corporal Paul E. Redhead, 29, son of Mrs. Colista Redhead, Cleveland, Ohio.

“Corporal Paul Brown, 28, son of Sam Lee Brown, Orange, Texas.”

 

(AP. “Army Reveals Names of Six Air Crash Victims.” The Modesto Bee, CA. 5-5-1945, p. 5.)

 

Aircraft 4: USAAF 4-engine B24 crash after March Field CA takeoff ~eight miles NW:

 

–8  INS. “Two Californians Die in Plane Crash.” The Independent, Long Beach, CA. 5-6-1945, p.26.

–8  United Press. “25 Killed in 3 Air Crashes.” San Mateo Times, CA. 5-5-1945, p. 1.

–8  USAAFDATA. USAAF Personnel Records. Accessed 11-20-2023.

 

USAAFDATA. USAAF Personnel Records:

May 4, 1945

B-24J # 42-73184

Crew:

            Leroy M. Apple                      Cpl      MD

Robert E. Arnold                     Cpl      CA

Vernon B. Behrman                Cpl      MO

Raymond E. Bengston            Cpl      MN

Robert P Martine                     2L        PA

Arthur A Miller                        2L        OH

Robert H Tieck                        1L        CA

Charles L Yost                         2L        MI

 

(USAAFDATA. USAAF Personnel Records. Accessed 11-20-2023.)

 

May 5, UP: “March Field, May 5. – (U.P.) – A four engined bomber crashed soon after taking off from March field late yesterday, carrying its eight crew members to death. The big plane fell and burned in the brush covered hills eight miles northwest of the army air base….” (United Press. “25 Killed in 3 Air Crashes.” San Mateo Times, CA. 5-5-1945, p. 1.)

 

May 5, INS: “March Field, Calif, May 5. (INS). Air Force officials announced tonight the names of four officers and four enlisted men killed yesterday when a four-engine bomber crashed and burned eight miles from its base at March Field. The victims included First Lt. Robert H. Teick [unclear], 27, Oroville, Calif., the pilot and Cpl. Robert E. Arnold, 21, Bakersfield.” (INS. “Two Californians Die in Plane Crash.” The Independent, Long Beach, CA. 5-6-1945, p. 26.)

 

Sources

 

Aviation Archaeological Investigation & Research website. “Consolidated PBY Catalina PBY-5A, BU#48416, 4 May 1945, Sausalito CA.” Accessed 11-19-2023 at: https://www.aviationarchaeology.com/listPages/tour_us/asp/toursus02_pby.asp

 

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 79. US Navy Beechcraft C-45 crashed and burned on Stone Mountain, TN, flying low in heavy fog. Accessed 11-19-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/283715

 

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 79. USN PBY-5A crash into hillside after San Francisco Bay area takeoff, 5-4-1945. Accessed 11-19-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19450504-0

 

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 79. USAAF TB-26B Marauder crash after takeoff,, Highway 41 1.5M north of Pinedale, CA, 5-4-1945. Accessed 11-19-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/109919

 

Baugher, Joseph F. US Navy and US Marine Corps BuNos Third Series (39999 to 50359).  8-7-2011 revision. Accessed 11-19-2023 at: https://www.joebaugher.com/navy_serials/thirdseries5.html

 

Middlesboro Daily News, KY. “Memorializes Victims.” 5-8-1945, p. 2. Accessed 11-19-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/middlesboro-daily-news-may-08-1945-p-2/

 

Middlesboro Daily News, KY. “Plane Crash Kills Three at Caylor Va. Last Evening.” 5-5-1945, p. 1. Accessed 11-19-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/middlesboro-daily-news-may-05-1945-p-1/

 

United Press. “25 Killed in 3 Air Crashes.” San Mateo Times, CA. 5-5-1945, p. 1. Accessed 11-20-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/san-mateo-times-may-05-1945-p-1/

 

USAAFDATA. USAAF Personnel Records. Accessed 11-20-2023 at: http://usaafdata.com/?q=search&page=1541&order=field_rank_value&sort=desc

 

Wikipedia. “List of accidents and incidents involving military aircraft (1945-1949).” Accessed 11-19-2023 at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_accidents_and_incidents_involving_military_aircraft_(1945%E2%80%931949)

 

 

 

 

 

1945 – May 3, US Navy blimp engine fire leads to covering fire/crash, Santa Ana, CA —  8

Compiled Nov 19, 2023 by Wayne Blanchard for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–8  Aviation Safety Network. USN Blimp fuel tanks explode at 200 feet, Santa Ana, CA, May 4.

–8  United Press. “25 Killed in 3 Air Crashes.” San Mateo Times, CA. 5-5-1945, p. 1.

–8  UP. “Eight Killed When Navy Blimp Catches Fire.” The Hayward Review, CA. 5-4-1945, 6.

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 79 (US Navy blimp):

“Date:                          Friday 4 May 1945 [incorrect – was the evening of May 3.

“Type:                         blimp

“Owner/operator:        United States Navy (USN) ….

“Fatalities:                   Fatalities: 8 / Occupants: 9 ….

“Location:                   Santa Ana, CA – USA

“Nature:                       Military ….

“Narrative:                   Fuel tanks exploded when at 200ft altitude.”

May 4, UP: “Santa Ana, (U.P.) – The Navy disclosed today that eight men were killed last night when a Navy patrol blimp caught fire while preparing to land at the Santa Ana light-than-air base. One member of the nine-man crew escaped death but was injured and taken to the Long Beach Naval hospital.

 

“Officers said the blimp was coming back from a patrol flight. Two hundred feet off the ground, one engine caught fire and the blimp’s covering burst into flame. The burning wreckage crashed to the ground about a quarter mile southwest of the field. The lone survivor jumped just before the blimp hit the ground…” (UP. “Eight Killed When Navy Blimp Catches Fire.” The Hayward Review, CA. 5-4-1945, p. 6.)

 

May 5, UP: “….Santa Ana, May 5. – (U.P.) – The navy department released today the names of eight men killed Thursday night [May 3] in the flaming crash of a patrol blimp at Santa Ana lighter-than-air base. One man survived.” (United Press. “25 Killed in 3 Air Crashes.” San Mateo Times, CA. 5-5-1945, p. 1.)

Sources

 

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 79. US Navy blimp fuel tanks explode at 200 feet altitude, 5-4-1945, Santa Ana, CA. Accessed11-19-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/203526

 

United Press. “25 Killed in 3 Air Crashes.” San Mateo Times, CA. 5-5-1945, p. 1. Accessed 11-19-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/san-mateo-times-may-05-1945-p-1/

 

United Press. “Eight Killed When Navy Blimp Catches Fire.” The Hayward Review, CA. 5-4-1945, p. 6. Accessed 11-19-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hayward-review-may-04-1945-p-6/

1945 – April 27, USAAF C-46D Plane Crash, Palo Duro canyon south of Claude, TX –all 11

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard for: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/  Last edit 12-6-2023.

–11  Amarillo Sunday News-Globe, TX. “Army Transport Crash Kills 11.” 4-29-1945, p. 1.

–11  AP. “Eleven Officers and Men Killed in Crash.” Big Spring Daily Herald, TX. 4-30-1945, p.6.

–11  Aviation Safety Network. USAAF Curtis C-46D Commando crash 25M SSE Claude TX.

–11  Baugher, Joseph F. 1944 USAAF Serial Numbers (44-70255 to 44-83885). 6-10-2023 rev.

–11  Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V3, Aug 1944-Dec 1945, 1086.

–11  UP. “Probe Ordered in Crash Fatal to 11.” Dunkirk Evening Observer, NY. 4-30-1945, p.1.

–11  UP. “Two Minnesota Airmen Killed in Texas Crash.” Moorhead Daily News, MN. 5-1-1945, p.6.

 

Narrative Information

 

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 76 (44-77706):

“Date:                          Friday 27 April 1945

“Time:                         13:44

“Type:                         Curtiss C-46D-10-CU Commando

“Operator:                   United States Army Air Force – USAAF

“Registration:              44-77706

“MSN:                         33102

“First flight:                1945

“Crew:                         Fatalities:   5 / Occupants:   5

“Passengers:                Fatalities:   6 / Occupants:   6

“Total:                         Fatalities: 11 / Occupants: 11

….

“Location:                   40 km (25 mls) SSE of Claude, TX (USA)

“Phase:                        En route (ENR)

“Mature:                      Military

“Departure airport:      Sedalia Army Air Field, MO…USA

“Destination airport:   San Antonio-Brooks Field, TX, USA

“Narrative:                 

 

“The C-46 transport plane departed Sedalia AAF on a personnel ferry flight to San Antonio-Brooks Field. It took off on a visual clearance but encountered instrument weather conditions en route. The pilot decided to continue on instruments at an altitude of 6000 feet. The airplane descended until it crashed in a canyon.”

 

Baugher: “….44-77444/77893 Curtiss (C-46D-10CU Commando….77706 (MSN 33102) w/o [written off] 27 Apr 1945 in crash 25 miles SSE of Claude, TX, 11 killed (flew into a canyon).”

 

Mireles: “At 1344 CWT, a Curtiss C-46D flying in poor weather crashed 25 miles SSE of Claude, Texas, killing 11 fliers…. The airplane took off on visual clearance at 1019 CWT from Sedalia Army Air Field, Knobnoster, Missouri, on a person­nel ferry flight to Brooks Field, San Antonio, Texas, via Amarillo, Texas. The airplane encountered instrument conditions as it approached Amarillo, so the pilot went on instruments. At 1324, the pilot radioed Amarillo radio and reported that his position as 15 miles south­east of Amarillo at 6,000 feet. The pilot advised Amar­illo radio that he was on an instrument clearance, which was not true, and requested weather for Abilene, Texas. The pilot radioed at 1332, reporting that he was 30 miles southeast of Amarillo at 6,000 feet. The pilot in­quired about the ceiling and was advised the pilot re­ports indicated that the top of the overcast was about 8,000 feet. A short time later, three ranch employees heard a ‘sudden surge’ of the airplane engines in the overcast. Moments later the airplane was heard to crash. There were no eyewitnesses to the crash. Investigators stated that the airplane had crashed into ‘a shelf be­tween the rim of the river bluff and the top cap-rock of the canyon.’ The airplane descended into the ground at angle exceeding 45 degrees, exploding violently into flames upon impact.” (Mireles 2006, p. 1086.)

Newspapers

 

April 29: “Eleven twisted, mangled bodies were removed from an Army Transport plane yesterday afternoon 25 miles south of Claude where it crashed at 1:45 o’clock Friday afternoon. The C-46 transport was en route to San Antonio from Sedalia, Mo., on a routine flight, officers said.

 

“R. Jones, a cowboy on the Hedgecoke Ranch, who lives only a mile from the scene of the crash, said he heard the plane flying in what he thought was perfect condition. ‘Suddenly the motors started to whine and the plane crashed to the earth,’ he said. He and the Hedgecoke foreman, Hobart Brace, were first to the scene. No piece of the plane large enough to identify remained intact except one buried motor and a portion of the propeller some 300 yards from the first impact.

 

“When the cowmen reported the accident men from Amarillo Field rushed to the scene. Roads were almost impassable and they did not reach the wreckage until midnight. They stood guard until the rescue parties reached the victims at mid-afternoon Saturday.

 

“Will Rogers Range Riders responded to the Army’s call yesterday morning by sending 16 horses and riders to the scene….

 

“Sgt. C. G. Conner and Patrolman Hugh Shaw of the State Highway Patrol visited the scene and assisted in freeing stuck cars most of the day. The only approach was over the canyon river beds, up steep hills and through quicksand. The Army field kitchen truck stuck within three miles of the scene of the tragedy and late last night wreckers were trying to free it and other cars from the said. Maj. Paul Johnson, officer in charge of the field kitchen unit, set up equipmen6 in the middle of the river bed and fed Army personnel and civilians alike.

 

“A board of officers have been named and are investigating the crash….” (Amarillo Sunday News-Globe, TX. “Army Transport Crash Kills 11.” 4-29-1945, p. 1.)

 

April 30, AP: “Amarillo, April 30 (AP) – Four Texans were among the 11 officers and men killed when an army transport plane from a Sedalia, Mo., base crashed in Palo Duro canyon 25 miles south of Claude, Tex., Friday. They were identified yesterday as:

 

2nd Lt. Ernest F. Crew, Jr., husband of Mrs. Verna H. Crow, 1205 Werst Dobbs, Tyler.

2nd Lt. Forrest M. Faulkner, husband of Mrs. Sarah J. Faulkner, 1010 West 37th st., Austin.

Flight Officer Thomas G. Anderson, San Antonio.

Cpl. Edward J. Shields, San Antonio.”

 

(Associated Press. “Eleven Officers and Men Killed in Crash.” Big Spring Daily Herald, TX. 4-30-1945, p.6.)

 

April 30. AP: “Amarillo, Tex., April 30 – (AP) – Two Sedalia, Mo., officers and army transport plane from a Sedalia base crashed in rugged Palo Duro canyon south of Claude, Tex., Friday. The Sedalians are

 

Captain Brown G. Middleton, jr., …wife…Evelyn R. Middleton, lives at 403 W Broadway

Lieutenant Paul J. Entrees, whose wife, Mrs. Violet Entress lives at 1602 South Osage St.

 

(AP. “Two Sedalia Fliers Among Crash Victims. Joplin News Herald, MO. 4-30-1945, p. 3.)

 

April 30, UP: “Amarillo, Tex., April 30 – (UP) – An investigation was ordered today into the crash of a C-26 army transport plane near Claude, Tex., Friday. The plane was enroute from Sedalia, Mo., to San Antonio, Tex., when the crash occurred, killing 11 officers and men. The dead include: Lt. Edward T. Kelly, son of Mrs. Agnes B. Kelly, Dansville, N.Y.” (UP. “Probe Ordered in Crash Fatal to 11.” Dunkirk Evening Observer, NY. 4-30-1945, p.1.)

 

May 1, UP: “Amarillo, Tex., May 1 (UP) – Two Minnesota airmen, Flight Officer Hollis K. Smith, Minneapolis, and Second Lieutenant Robert Gray of Kimball, were killed Frida in the crash of a C-46 transport plane, army officials disclosed today. The plane’s entire 11-man crew died when the transport went down near Claude, Tex., the army said.” (UP. “Two Minnesota Airmen Killed in Texas Crash.” Moorhead Daily News, MN. 5-1-1945, p.6.)

 

List of Fatalities from sources noted herein, alphabetically arranged:

(could not locate two names)

 

  1. Flight Officer Thomas G. Anderson San Antonio, TX.
  2. 2nd Ernest F. Crew, Jr. Tyler, TX.
  3. Lieutenant Paul J. Entrees Sedalia, MO
  4. 2nd Forrest M. Faulkner Austin, TX.
  5. Second Lieutenant Robert Gray Kimball, MN
  6. Edward T. Kelly Dansville, NY
  7. Captain Brown G. Middleton Jr. Sedalia, MO
  8. Edward J. Shields San Antonio, TX.
  9. Flight Officer Hollis K. Smith Minneapolis, MN

 

Sources

 

Associated Press. “Eleven Officers and Men Killed in Crash.” Big Spring Daily Herald, TX. 4-30-1945, p.6. Accessed 12-6-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/big-spring-daily-herald-apr-30-1945-p-6/

 

Associated Press. “Two Sedalia Fliers Among Crash Victims. Joplin News Herald, MO. 4-30-1945, p. 3. Accessed 12-6-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/joplin-news-herald-apr-30-1945-p-3/

 

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 76. USAAF Curtis C-46D Commando crash 25M SSE Claude TX. 27 April 1945. Accessed 12-6-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19450427-2

 

Baugher, Joseph F. 1944 USAAF Serial Numbers (44-70255 to 44-83885). 6-10-2023 revision. Accessed 12-6-2023 at: https://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1944_5.html

 

Mireles, Anthony J.  Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation Accidents in the United States, 1941-1945 (Volume 3:  August 1944 – December 1945). Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Co., 2006.

 

United Press. “Probe Ordered in Crash Fatal to 11.” Dunkirk Evening Observer, NY. 4-30-1945, p.1. Accessed 12-6-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/dunkirk-evening-observer-apr-30-1945-p-1/

 

United Press. “Two Minnesota Airmen Killed in Texas Crash.” Moorhead Daily News, MN. 5-1-1945, p.6. Accessed 12-6-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/moorhead-daily-news-may-01-1945-p-6/

 

 

1945 – April 24, USAAF B-29A engine fire and crash, Gulf of Mexico, off Key West, FL–11

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard for: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/  Last edit 12-8-2023.

–11  Baugher, Joe. 1942 USAAF Serial Numbers (42-91974 to 42-110188). 8-7-2023 revision.

–11  Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V3, Aug 1944-Dec 1945, p.1085.

–10  Aviation Safety Network. USAAF Boeing BV-29A Superfortress, Gulf of Mexico, 4-24-1945.

            [In the narrative it is stated that one body was recovered and “The other ten B-29 crew

            members were never found.” That would be 11 deaths.]

 

Narrative Information

 

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Network, Database, 1945, p. 75 (USAAF 42-93922):

“Date:                          Tuesday 14 April 1945

“Time:                         098:10 LT [local time]

“Type:                         Boeing B-29A Superfortress

“Owner/operator:        326th CCTS BU USAAF

“Registration:              42-93922

“MSN:                         7329

“Fatalities:                   Fatalities: 10 / Occupants: 13

….

“Location:                   Gulf of Mexico, 100 miles southwest of Key West, Florida – USA

“Phase:                        En route

“Nature:                      Military

“Departure airport:      MacDill AFB, Tampa Florida

“Destination airport:   Borinquen Field AAF, Puerto Rico

“Narrative:

 

“….On April 24, 1945 the aircraft was scheduled for a routine cross country navigational training flight from MacDill Field, Florida west to a point over the Gulf of Mexico, then east to Borinquen Field, Puerto Rico. Aboard was the normal crew of eleven plus a Pilot Instructor and a Radio Instructor.

 

“The clouds en-route were forecast to be 5/10 cumulus. They departed MacDill heading west. At 10,000 feet, a slight oil leak was observed in the #3 engine; the propeller on that engine ran away, the oil leak became more noticeable, and smoke was reported from the engine. Attempts to feather the propeller failed and the engine erupted in flames.

 

“With 4000 gallons of aviation fuel in the wing tank the fire was very serious. Both fire extinguishers were used without any effect. A minute later the crew was ordered to bail out. But no one acknowledged from the rear of the plane. The pilot brought the plane down to 7,300 feet and the crew began to bail out.

 

“Apparently the five men in the rear compartment of the plane never heard the “Bail out” order or could not escape and remained aboard the plane when it crashed into the Gulf. The wreckage of the plane was never located. Two survivors plus one body from the B-29 were taken to Key West Naval Hospital. The other ten B-29 crew members were never found.

 

“Crew of B-29 #42-93922 (Partial List):

 

Radar Operator 2nd Lt. James V. Reams – MIA later KIA
Central Ring Control (turret gunner) Sgt. Thomas P. Pruffitt – MIA later KIA
Armorer/Gunner Cpl. Bob L. Smith – MIA later KIA
Electrical mechanic-gunner Sgt. Louis T. Kapusta – MIA later KIA
Tail Gunner Cpl. James C. Spears – MIA later KIA
Navigator, 2nd Lt William L. Jiler – survived
Radio Operator, Corporal William L. Phillips – KIA, body recovered
Pilot, 2nd Lt. Daniel R. Ahern – MIA later KIA
Engineer, S/Sgt. Erwin W. Beck – MIA later KIA
Bombardier, 2nd Lt. John H. Mathews – survived
Cecil Clause McKinney – instructor pilot – MIA later KIA.”

 

Baugher: “….93922.  Delivered to USAAF 2Feb45. Assigned to Combat Crew Training Squadron, 326th Army Air Force Base Unit, MacDill AAF, FL. On April 24, 1945 the aircraft was scheduled for a routine cross country navigational training flight from MacDill Field, Florida west to a point over the Gulf of Mexico, then east to Borinquen Field, Puerto Rico. Aboard was the normal crew of eleven plus a Pilot Instructor and a Rdio Instructor. The clouds en-route were forecast to be 5/10 cumulus. They departed MacDill heading west. At 10,000’ a slight oil leak was observed in the #3 engine; the propeller on that engine ran away, the oil leak became more noticeable, and smoke was reported from the engine. Attempts to feather the propeller failed and the engine erupted in flames. With 4000 gallons of aviation fuel in the wing tank the fire was very serious. Both fire extinguishers were used without any effect. A minute later the crew was ordered to bail out. But no one acknowledged from the rear of the plane. The pilot brought the plane down to 7300 feet and the crew began to bail out. Apparently the five men in the rear compartment of the plane never heard the ‘Bail out’ order or could not escape and remained aboard the plane when it crashed into the Gulf. The wreckage of the plane was never located. Two survivors plus one body from the B-29 were taken to Key West Naval Hospital. The other ten B-29 crew members were never found.”

 

Mireles: “At 0909 EWT, a Boeing B-29A suffering an engine fire was abandoned and crashed into the Gulf of Mexico about 100 miles southwest of Key West, Florida, killing 11 crewmembers.

 

“Bombardier 2Lt. John H. Matthews and navigator 2Lt. William L. Jiler parachuted into the sea and were rescued the next day. The airplane had taken off at 0753 EWT from MacDill Field, Tampa, Florida, on a navigation flight to Borinquen Field, Puerto Rico, and return. Investigators stated,

 

At 0845, 10,000 feet, the right scanner reported a slight oil-leak in the number-three engine. The pilot ordered the en­gineer and scanner to maintain a close watch on that engine. At 0906, the number-three propeller ran away and reached 3,900 rpm. Simultaneously the scanner reported a bad oil leak and smoke from the number-three engine. It appears that the pilot put the nose down and was attempting to feather. The RPM was only brought down to 3,100 rpm and the command to “Prepare to bail out” was given by co-pilot on in­terphone at 0908 followed by a report from scanner that number-three engine was on fire. Both fire extinguishers were applied without results. The “Bail out” order was given at 0909 on interphone. Bomb bay tanks [were] salvoed and wheels put down at 7,300 feet. Airspeed was observed to be 240 indicated. Meanwhile the navigator gave coordinates to radio operator right after ‘Prepare to bail out’ order. Radio had been giv­ing trouble and it is doubted if transmission was effected even though key was operated. Bail out started at 7,300 feet when instructor radio operator bailed out followed by the radio operator, navigator and engineer. These went out the bomb bay. The co-pilot meanwhile went out the nose wheel well. The bombardier helped put on the pilot’s parachute and bailed out. The nav­igator saw four parachutes in the air besides his and the bombardier saw five besides his own. The bombardier and radio operator effected contact in the water but drifted apart. The radio operator’s body was recovered. The bombardier and navigator … suffering only minor sunburn … were rescued the following day.”  (Quoted in Mireles 2006, 1085.)

 

Sources

 

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Network, Database, 1945, p. 75. USAAF Boeing BV-29A Superfortress, Gulf of Mexico 100M SW of Key West, FL, 4-24-1945. Accessed 12-8-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/98606

 

Baugher, Joe. 1942 USAAF Serial Numbers (42-91974 to 42-110188). 8-7-2023 revision. Accessed 12-8-2023 at: http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1942_5.html

 

Mireles, Anthony J.  Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation Accidents in the United States, 1941-1945 (Volume 3:  August 1944 – December 1945). Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Co., 2006.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1945 — Apr 23, USAAF B-17 carrying on-leave troops crashes ~Ramsey, Isle of Man –all 31

Compiled 12-20-2023 by Wayne Blanchard for: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/ 

–31  Aviation Safety Network. USAAF B-17 flies into hill peak 2M S of Ramsey, Isle of Man.

–31  Manx Radio, Douglas, Isle of Man. “Anniversary of Island’s worst air crash.” 4-23-2019.

Narrative Information

 

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 74:

“Date:                          Monday 23 April 1945

“Type:                         Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress

“Owner/operator:        534th BSqn / 381st BGp USAAF

“Registration;              43-38856

“MSN:                         9834

“Fatalities:                   Fatalities: 31 . Occupants: 31

….

“Location:                   2 miles south of Ramsey, Isle of Man

“Phase:                        En route

“Nature:                      Passenger

“Departure airport:      RAF Ridgewell / AAF Sta. 167

“Destination airport:   Nutts Corner

….

“Narrative:                  Crashed just below the peak of a 2,000 ft hill on the Isle of Man while

carrying members of the 381st Bombardment Group (Heavy) to a 3-day leave break in Ireland. Capt. Charles E. Ackerman Jnr USAAF, and his 3 man crew and 27 passengers…”

 

Manx Radio:

 

“It’s the 74th anniversary of the worst air disaster ever seen on Manx [Isle of Man language] soil. An American Flying Fortress bomber crashed into the side of North Barrule [2nd highest island peak, near Ramsey] on 23 April 1945, killing all 31 on board. The plane was on a peaceful mission, taking its 27 passengers for a few days of leave in Northern Ireland. Whilst visibility was poor at the time, it’s never been known for certain why the plane crashed. However, it has been suggested that the pilot had been flying low over the Island in order to see where a colleague of his had lost his life on North Barrule in another crash, some nine months earlier.” (Manx Radio, Douglas, Isle of Man. “Anniversary of Island’s worst air crash.” 4-23-2019.)

 

Sources

 

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 74. USAAF B-17 flies into hill peak 2M S of Ramsey, Isle of Man, 4-23-1945. Accessed 12-19-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/98299

 

Manx Radio -the nations station, Douglas, Isle of Man. “Anniversary of Island’s worst air crash; Flying Fortress crashed on North Barrule 74 years ago.” 4-23-2019. Accessed 12-20-2023 at: https://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/anniversary-of-islands-worst-air-crash/

 

Wikipedia. “Isle of Man.” 12-18-2023 edit. Accessed 12-20-2023 at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_of_Man

 

Wikipedia. “North Barrule.” 2-12-2023 edit. Accessed 12-20-2023 at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Barrule

 

1945 — Apr 20, USAAF C-47 structural failure in thunderstorm/crash ~Sweetwater, TX–25

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard for: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/  Last edit 12-8-2023.

—  25  Aviation Safety Network, Accident Description, USAAF, Sweetwater TX, April 20, 1945.

—  25  Baugher, Joseph F. 1941 USAAF Serial Numbers (41-13297 to 24339). 11-7-2011 rev.

—  25  Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives. “Crash of a Douglas C-47-DL in Sweetwater…”

—  25  Gero, David. Military Aviation Disasters: Significant Losses Since 1908. 1999, p. 30.

—  25  Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V3, Aug 1944-Dec 1945,  1082.

Narrative Information

 

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 73:

 

On April 20, 1945, a United States Army Air Force Douglas C-47-DL departed Midland Army Air Field, Texas for Nashville Metropolitan Airport, Tennessee with a crew of 5 and 20 occupants.  After takeoff from Midland Army Air Field, the C-47 climbed to an altitude of 5000 feet. The flight entered an area with an active thunderstorm. A failure of the elevator led to a break-up of the airframe in flight.  The plane crashed about 4 miles south of Sweetwater, Texas leaving no survivors. (ASN, USAAF, Sweetwater TX, April 20, 1945.)

 

Baugher: “Douglas C-47-DL….18451 (c/n 4513) to USAAF Jul 26, 1942 – Broke up in thunderstorm near Sweetwater, TX Apr 20, 1945.  25 killed.”  (Baugher, Joseph F.  1941 USAAF Serial Numbers (41-13297 to 24339). 11-7-2011 rev.)

 

Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives:

“Date & Time:                         Apr 20, 1945 at 0640 LG [local time]

“Type of aircraft:        Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

“Operator:                   USAAF

“Registration:              41-18451

“Flight Phase:              Flight

“Flight Type:               Military

“Survivors:                  No

….

“Schedule:                   Midland – Nashville

“MSN:                         4513

“YOM:                        1942

“Location:                   Sweetwater, Texas

….

“Crew on board:         3

“Crew fatalities:          3

“Pax on board:                        22

“Pax fatalities:             22

“Other fatalities:         0

“Total fatalities:          25

‘Circumstances:           Enroute, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with thunderstorm

activity and turbulence. While cruising at an estimated altitude of 5,000 feet,

the twin engine aircraft went out of control, dove into the ground and

crashed in a field located 4 miles south of Sweetwater. All 25 occupants

were killed.

“Crew

2nd Lt Richard Britton Arnold,
1st Lt James A. Bailey,
1st Lt David L. Bennell,
Sgt Robert H. Blaess,
Cpl Daniel B. Boone,
Pfc Grady O. Boyd,
Pfc Kenneth W. Carlson,
Cpl Vincent R. DiSterano,
Sgt William T. Downey,
Sgt William H. Edwards,
1st Lt Leonard K. Epperly,
Pvt Robert L. Fuller,
Sgt Robert C. Goodenough,
Pfc William A. Green,
Cpl D. E. Jennelle,
1st Lt Samuel Kamrass,
Pfc James D. McLaughlin,
1st Lt Chester W. Mrozek,
1st Lt Frank A. Prete,
Cpt John R. Rawls,
1st Lt Joseph A. Scieszka,
Cpl Myron V. Testement,
1st Lt James H. Wallace Jr.,
Cpl Virgil E. Walston,
1st Lt Robert L. West.

 

“Probable cause:         It appears that severe turbulence caused the elevators and stabilizers to fail

in flight. In such condition, the aircraft was unflyable.”

 

Gero:

“Date:              20 April 1945 (c. 06:40)….

“Location:       Near Sweetwater, Texas, US

“Operator:       US Army Air Forces

“Aircraft type: Douglas C-47 (41-18451)

 

“…the twin-engine transport crashed, exploded and burned in a pasture approximately 3½ miles (6km) south of the town [Sweetwater], and all 25 American servicemen aboard were killed, including a crew of five.  

 

“Having taken off earlier from Midland Army Air Field, also in Texas, on an interstate service to Nashville, Tennessee, the aircraft had been assigned to a cruising altitude of 5,000ft (1,500m) before it disintegrated while flying in an area of thunderstorm activity. The initial structural failure of its elevator was followed by a more general break-up of the C­47. Though not officially reported, severe turbulence was undoubtedly a factor in the accident.”  (Gero, David. Military Aviation Disasters: Significant Losses Since 1908. 1999, p. 30.)

 

Mireles: “At 0640 CWT, a Douglas C-47 flying in poor weather crashed four miles southeast of Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas, killing three crewmembers and 22 passengers. The air­plane took off at 0553 CWT from Midland Army Air Field, Midland, Texas, on a personnel flight to Nash­ville, Tennessee.

 

“The airplane, flying at about 5,000 feet msl, encountered a line of powerful thunderstorms near Sweetwater.  At about this time the starboard pro­peller was apparently feathered.  Investigation revealed that the airplane was heading in a northerly direction and it was speculated that the pilot was attempting to get to Avenger Field. The airplane apparently encoun­tered very turbulent conditions or had entered an un­usual attitude while flying in instrument conditions.  The airplane was stressed beyond its design limitations, causing the failure and separation of the elevators and horizontal stabilizers and the progressive failure of the tail.  The airplane went out of control and the tail sec­tion twisted off.  The port wing failed and separated as the airplane spun crazily to earth, and the starboard wing separated just before the airplane smashed to the ground nose first.

 

“Investigation revealed that both pro­pellers had separated from their engines as the airplane spun to earth. Fabric from the elevators and pieces of the horizontal stabilizers were found about two miles from the scene of the main crash. Pieces of the tail sec­tion and the port wing were found scattered over an area of several hundred yards surrounding the main point of impact. Investigators noted that the airplane had logged about 4,000 hours of glider tug operations at South Plains Army Air Field, Lubbock, Texas, dur­ing the course of the war.”  (Mireles 2006, 1082.)

 

Sources

 

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 73. USAAF Douglas C-47-DL (DC-3) crash 4.1 mls SE of Sweetwater TX, 20 April 1945. Accessed 12-8-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19450420-2

 

Baugher, Joseph F. 1941 USAAF Serial Numbers (41-13297 to 24339). Nov 7, 2011 revision. Accessed at: http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1941_3.html

 

Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives. “Crash of a Douglas C-47-DL in Sweetwater: 25 Killed.” Accessed 12-8-2023 at: https://www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-douglas-c-47-dl-sweetwater-25-killed

 

Gero, David. Military Aviation Disasters: Significant Losses Since 1908. UK and Newbury Park, CA: Patrick Stephens Limited, an imprint of Hayes Publishing, 1999. 

 

Mireles, Anthony J.  Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation Accidents in the United States, 1941-1945 (Volume 3:  August 1944 – December 1945). Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Co., 2006.

 

 

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