20th Century

1945 — Apr 19, USN R4D-5 crash in fog after takeoff, Gooseberry Hill, near Perth, AUS–13

lornajarrettblanchard April 19, 1945

Compiled 12-19-2023 by Wayne Blanchard for: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–13 Aviation Safety Network. USN R4D-5 crash after takeoff into rising ground in fog. 4-19-45

–13 Baugher. US Navy and US Marine Corps BuNos Third Series (30147 to 39998). 9-1-2023 rev.

–13 The Advocate, Burnie, Aus. “All 13 Occupants Killed in U.S. Plane Crash.” 4-20-1945, p5.

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 72:

“Date: Thursday 19 April 1945

“Time: 05:33

“Type: Douglas R4D-5 (DC-3)

“Operator: United States Navy

“Registration: 39067

“MSN: 10017

….

“Total: Fatalities: 13 / Occupants: 13

….

“Location: Gooseberry Hill, WA (Australia)

“Phase: En route (ENR)

“Nature: Military

“Departure airport: Guildford Airport, WA…Australia

“Destination airport: Adelaide Airport, SA…Australia

“Narrative: Crashed three minutes after takeoff from runway 11. The aircraft struck

the rising stony ground of Gooseberry Hill in fog.”

Baugher: “….Douglas R4D-5….39067 (MSN 10017)….Hit hillside in Darling Range at Gooseberry Hill west of Perth in western Australia Apr 19, 1945. All 13 onboard killed.”

Newspaper

April 20: “Perth (W.A.), Thursday [19^th], – All 13 occupants were killed instantly when a U.S. service plane crashed into Gooseberry Hill, 17 miles from Perth, in a thick fog at 5:30 a.m. today. The two-engined plane, which burst into flames after disintegrating, missed a house by a few feet, and ploughed up shrubs and low trees. Residents of Gooseberry Hill, which is in the Darling Ranges, were awakened by the roar of a low-flying plane. Many rushed out of their homes when they heard the plane crash, and saw a mass of flames.

“One wing broke off near the western side of Mrs. D. H. Bartlett’s five-acre property and the other wing fell about 50 yards from the southern side of her house. The plane then struck a tree and burst into flames. The tail finished up on a 15ft. High granite outcrop, facing the direction from which it had come.

“The Guildford fire brigade was quickly on the scene, traveling the eight miles from Guildford in [unclear] minutes despite fog and tough country. When it arrived the plane was a blazing inferno. Local residents had formed a water bucket brigade, but it was soon realized that there was no hope of saving lives. It was the worst aviation tragedy in the history of West Australia….” (The Advocate, Burnie, Aus. “All 13 Occupants Killed in U.S. Plane Crash.” 4-20-1945, p. 5.)

Sources

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 72. USN R4D-5 crash after takeoff into rising ground in fog, Gooseberry Hill, WA (Australia), 4-19-1945. Accessed 12-19-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19450419-0

Baugher, Joseph F. US Navy and US Marine Corps BuNos Third Series (30147 to 39998). 9-1-2023 revision. Accessed 12-19-2023 at: http://www.joebaugher.com/navy_serials/thirdseries4.html

The Advocate, Burnie, AUS. “All 13 Occupants Killed in U.S. Plane Crash.” 4-20-1945, p. 5.

https://newspaperarchive.com/burnie-advocate-apr-20-1945-p-5/

20th Century

1945 — Aug 17, two USAAF B-29s collide at night, 3 miles west of Weatherford, TX — 18

lornajarrettblanchard April 17, 1945

Last edit Nov 29, 2023 by Wayne Blanchard for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–18 AP. “18 Bodies Found After Two Huge Bombers Collide.” Denton Record-Chronicle, TX. 8-18-1945, p. 1.

–18 Aviation Safety Network. Two USAAF B-29s collide at night 3M W of Weatherford, TX.

–9 USAAF Boeing B-29 Superfortress, 42-93895

–9 USAAF Boeing B-29 Superfortress, 44-86276

–18 Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V3, Aug 1944-Dec 1945, p.1155.

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 114 (Weatherford):

“Crew of 42-93895:

Corporal Anthone J. Agliata,
Corporal Robert M. Apirian,
2nd Lt John W. Burtis,
Corporal Willard A. Byerly,
2nd Lt Robert L. Knight,
S/Sgt Clifford D. Longmire,
1st Lt Robert A. Mayer,
Corporal Jasper C. Wilson Jr.,
Flight Officer Robert O. Zaleska.

“Crew of 44-86276 (all killed):

2nd Lt Benson W. Cohen,
Sgt Clarence A. Jurgens,
2nd Lt Edward E. Lahniers,
Sgt Donald V. Lefebvre,
Sgt Johnny A. Moseley,
2nd Lt Gordon E. Myers,
Sgt Donald E. Reed,
1st Lt Aubrey K. Stinson,
2nd Lt Harold Lannis Swaim.

Mireles: “At 2128, two Boeing B-29 bombers collided in mid-air and crashed three miles west of Weatherford, Texas, killing 18 fliers and seriously injuring two others. B-29 #44-86276 took off from the Army Air Field at Alamogordo, New Mexico. B-29 #42-93895 took off from the Army Air Field at Clovis, New Mexico…. Investigators stated,

“The aircraft from Alamogordo, New Mexico [44-86276] had flown a two-hour local flight near Alamogordo, and the instructor pilot turned the aircraft over to the student airplane commander…. The last position report entered on the navigator’s log was Abilene, Texas, at 1956 MWT…Abilene is 115 miles west of Weatherford on the airways. At all times the navigator’s log showed that the Alamogordo aircraft was flying at 15,000 feet indicated altitude. The indicated airspeed was 200 mph from Alamogordo, to Hudspeth and 195 mph from Hudspeth to Abilene. The ground speed was 210 mph.

The aircraft from Clovis Army Air Field [42-93895] was on a routine radar-bombing mission from the home station to Fort Worth, Texas, to shoot simulated radar bombing attacks on Meacham Field from IP south of Fort Worth at 15,000 feet. The crew experienced difficulty in contacting the radar station and completed one bombing run, flying a rectangular pattern without making contact. The pilot decided to make one more run and if contact could not be established they would return to their home station. They had completed their first run and were on the downwind leg, flying a course of approximately 270 degrees at an altitude of 15,000 feet. The flight engineer noticed that his voltage regulators were not adjusted properly and while he was adjusting them the airplane commander took over the flight engineer’s position. The bombardier was in the nose using a flashlight to look at his charts. The aircraft was on C-1 autopilot, with the radar operator in secondary control. The co-pilot was in the co-pilot’s position watching the instruments and paying particular attention to the operation of the centering knob in order to maintain zero degrees rate of climb, altitude 15,000 feet….

The airplane commander returned to his position and shortly after that he looked up and exclaimed ‘Oh my God!’ The copilot looked up and noticed two engines and a wing of a four-engine aircraft approaching them from the right forward side at approximately a 45- degree angle. The aircraft was very close to them, and before any maneuvers could be attempted the right wing of the Alamogordo aircraft struck the right wing and number-four engine of the Clovis aircraft. The Clovis aircraft immediately caught fire. The co-pilot was thrown against the gun turret and dislocated his shoulder. The aircraft appeared to be in a spin. The co-pilot fought his way to the controls and attempted to control the aircraft, but the controls were jammed. Realizing the situation, the co-pilot opened his emergency window and climbed out of the aircraft. He was caught in the slipstream but worked his way free. The number-three propeller struck his foot and cut the top of his shoe off but did not injure him. The co-pilot pulled his ripcord and realizing that he did not give a sufficient pull attempted to open his backpack parachute by reaching behind and tearing the cover. At this time he realized that his parachute had opened and shortly after that he hit the ground.

The gunner riding in the left blister of the Clovis aircraft heard the pilot state on intercom ‘Oh my God!’ When the crash came, not having his safety belt fastened, he was thrown free in the waist of the aircraft. He had a chest-type harness on and in the light from the fire he noticed his parachute. He picked it up and fastened it onto the harness and then attempted to break the plexiglass blister. Unable to break the plexiglass blister he succeeded in breaking the casting of the [gun] site, and being pressurized it aided in breaking the blister. He continued to kick the blister until he broke out an opening sufficient for him to get through. He freed himself from the aircraft and his parachute opened very shortly before he hit the ground. The co-pilot and the gunner from the Clovis aircraft suffered major injuries.

The remainder of the crew was fatally injured. No other crewmembers of either aircraft used their parachutes. From statements of witnesses and investigation from the home station of the aircraft, it is believed that both aircraft were equipped and using blinker-type navigation lights. Both aircraft were totally wrecked.” (Quoted in Mireles 2006, 1156.)

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 114 (Weatherford):

“Crew of 42-93895:

“Crew of 44-86276 (all killed):

Baugher on 42-93895: “….Boeing B-29A-10-BN Superfortress….93895 Delivered to USAAF 7Nov44….Assigned to Combat Crew Training Squadron, 234^th Army Air Force Base Unit, Clovis AAF, NM. Mid air collision 17Aug45 with B-29 44-86276 during a bombing exercise at night 3 miles west of Weatherford, TX. Two crew bailed out and survive.”

Newspaper

Aug 18, AP: “Weatherford, Aug. 18. – (AP) – The bodies of 18 airmen, recovered after the crash of two B-29 Superfortresses high above Weatherford, Tex., were brought to Fort Worth Army Air Field today. The injured survivors were in the Camp Wolters, Tex. Hospital.

“The planes, on flights from Alamogordo and Clovis, N.M., Army air fields, collided at 15,000 feet last night with a terrific, flaming explosion, which threw Weatherford into wild excitement, and was seen from as far away as 30 miles. The blast shook houses in Weatherford and left many frightened persons with the first impression that the town had been hit by a Japanese balloon bomb.

“One of the bombers fell a mile northwest of Weatherford that the other struck four miles west of the town….

“The two surviving crewmen said they were hurled clear of the wreckage and parachuted to safety while blazing parts of the huge ships rained about them. The survivors parachuted to safety in a peach orchard on the farm of Bud Northington, four miles west of Weatherford. One of them made has way to the Northington farm, where neighbors had already begun to gather, and help was called.” (Associated Press. “18 Bodies Found After Two Huge Bombers Collide.” Denton Record-Chronicle, TX. 8-18-1945, p. 1.)

Sources

Associated Press. “18 Bodies Found After Two Huge Bombers Collide.” Denton Record-Chronicle, TX. 8-18-1945, p. 1. Accessed 11-29-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/denton-record-chronicle-aug-18-1945-p-1/

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 114. Two USAAF B-29s collide at night 3M W of Weatherford, TX, 17 August 1945. Accessed 11-29-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/98550

Baugher, Joseph F. 1942 USAAF Serial Numbers 42-91974 to 42-110188. 8-7-2023 revision. Accessed 11-29-2023 at: https://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.

20th Century

1945 — Apr 17, US Navy PB4Y-1 patrol plane crash, training exercise off Mayport, FL– 12

lornajarrettblanchard April 17, 1945

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

–12 Baugher. US Navy and [USMC] BuNos Third Series (90020 to 99860). 8-6-2023 revision.

–12 Florence Morning News, SC. “Twelve Crew Members Missing After Crash.” 4-18-1945, 3.

–12 Joplin Globe, MO. “Announce Names of 12 Missing in Plane Crash.” 4-20-1945, p. 9.

–12 Racine Journal Times, WI. “Wisconsin Fliers Crash.” 4-2-1945, p. 4.

–12 Troy Record, NY. “18 Dead or Missing in Florida Air Crashes.” 4-19-1945, p. 15.

Narrative Information

Baugher: “….Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator….90196 (VPB-4) spun in and crashed near Mayport, FL Apr 17, 1945. 12 killed, one bailed out.” (Baugher. US Navy and US Marine Corps BuNos Third Series (90020 to 99860). 10-15-2010.)

Newspapers

April 17: “Jacksonville, Fla., April 17 – (AP) — Twelve crew members of a Navy patrol plane were reported missing today following the crash of their aircraft in the Atlantic ocean during routine training exercises off Mayport. A thirteenth man was known to have survived. Officials of the naval air station here said the plane was attached to a nearby auxiliary base and that a thorough search of the crash area was underway for the missing men…” (Florence Morning News, SC. “Twelve Crew Members Missing After Crash.” 4-18-1945, p. 3.)

April 19: “Jacksonville, Fla. (AP) – Eighteen men were reported killed or missing in two plane crashes, one involving a B-25, in Florida, Tuesday.

“The Navy said 12 members of’ a patrol plane were missing after the craft crashed in the Atlantic Ocean during training exercises off Mayport. A 13^th man was known to have survived.

“Sheriff Fred Quedhau of Charlotte County said six men lost their lives and seven parachuted to safety in the crash of a B-29 Super-fortress 17 miles north of Punta Gorda. At Tampa the Army Air Base said no official statement was available at this time.” (Troy Record, NY. “18 Dead or Missing in Florida Air Crashes.” 4-19-1945, p. 15.)

April 19: “Jacksonville, Fla., April 19. – (AP) — The names of 12 officers and men who are missing following the crash of a navy patrol plane in the Atlantic ocean were announced today by the Jacksonville naval air station. The ship crashed Tuesday off Mayport, small seaside community. Included among those listed as missing, and their next of kin, are:

Marion Edwin Peek, 22, AOM third class, wife, Mrs. Virginia Peek, Kansas City, Mo.

James LeRoy Shaffer, 19, AOM, father, J. L. Shaffer, ST., route 2, Princeton, Mo.”

(Joplin Globe, MO. “Announce Names of 12 Missing in Plane Crash.” 4-20-1945, p. 9.)

April 20: “Jacksonville, Fla. — (UP) – Robert Luke Keagle, 19, Collins, Iowa, and James Joseph Dirks, 19, Marinette, Wis., were among 12 crewmen of a navy patrol plane which crashed into the Atlantic Tuesday, naval air station officials disclosed today.” (Racine Journal Times, WI. “Wisconsin Fliers Crash.” 4-20-1945, p. 4.)

Sources

Baugher, Joseph F. US Navy and US Marine Corps BuNos Third Series (90020 to 99860). 8-6-2023 revision. Accessed 12-8-2023 at: https://www.joebaugher.com/navy_serials/thirdseries10.html

Florence Morning News, SC. “Twelve Crew Members Missing After Crash.” 4-18-1945, p. 3. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=51785495

Joplin Globe, MO. “Announce Names of 12 Missing in Plane Crash.” 4-20-1945, p. 9. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=1770541

Racine Journal-Times, WI. “Wisconsin Fliers Crash.” 4-2-1945, p. 4. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=142268298

Troy Record, NY. “18 Dead or Missing in Florida Air Crashes.” 4-19-1945, p. 15. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=40347163

20th Century

1945 – Apr 16, USAAF Beech AT-11s collide, bombing training, near Big Spring, TX– 10

lornajarrettblanchard April 16, 1945

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

–10 Big Spring Daily Herald, TX. “Ten Killed in First Bad Crash From Local Field.” 4-17-1945, p.1.

–10 Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V3, Aug 1944-Dec 1945, p.1078.

Narrative Information

Mireles: “At 2330, two Beech AT-11 airplanes collided in mid-air 20 miles south of Big Spring, Texas, killing ten fliers. The airplanes had taken off from Big Spring Army Air Field on a bombing training mission. The airplanes were flying on the AAF Bombing Range at 4,000 feet agl on a triangular pattern with illuminated targets at the three corners. The lights at Target #2 went out, so the range controller directed the airplanes to fly an oval and head back to Target #3. The two airplanes dropped bombs on Target #3 and were turning away when the collision occurred. The airplanes broke up and burst into flames in the collision. Wreckage and bodies were scattered over an area of one and a half miles.” (Mireles 2006, p. 1078.)

Newspaper

“Four officers and six bombardier students of the Big Spring Bombardier School were killed instantly at 11:45 Monday night in a mid-air collision of two twin-engined training planes over the target area 15 miles southeast of Big Spring near the Grden City highway. The accident, announced today by Col. Ralph C. Rockwood, commanding officer, occurred during routine training flights, and the tragedy broke the outstanding flying safety record of the Big Spring school, where more than 47,350,000 miles of flying had been accomplished without a single cadet fatality. The victims were:

2^nd Lt. Rowland H. Meade Jr., 27, pilot…Big Spring.

2^nd Lt. Neil C. Hildebrand, 20, pilot…Baltimore, Md.

2^nd Lt. George E. Blake, 20, bombardier instructor…survived by his bride of two days…

F-O John Marenac Jr., 20 bombardier instructor…Racine, Wis.

A-C Joseph W. Kerico, 23…Croydon, Pa.

A-C Clyde E. Jackson, 24…Shattuck, Okla. …

A-C Gildo Smaniotto, 27…Chicago, Ill.

A-C Leonard C. Shoberg, 28…Kennewick, Wash.

A-C John W. Thompson Jr., 20…Centralia, Wash.

A-C Chester W. Hilgendorf, 24…Beaver Dam, Wis.

….”

(Big Spring Daily Herald, TX. “Ten Killed in First Bad Crash From Local Field.” 4-17-1945, p.1.)

Sources

Big Spring Daily Herald, TX. “Ten Killed in First Bad Crash From Local Field.” 4-17-1945, p. 1. Accessed 12-8-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/big-spring-daily-herald-apr-17-1945-p-1/

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.

20th Century

1945 — Apr 16, USAAF B-29 ferry flight too-low approach hits water Pango Bay, Guam –all 12

lornajarrettblanchard April 16, 1945

Compiled 12-19-2023 by Wayne Blanchard for: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–12 Army Air Forces. Report of Major Accident. “Pago Bay…1/16/45…” May 1, 1945.

–12 Aviation Safety Network. USAAF B-29 landing crash ferrying personnel from Kwajalein.

Narrative Information

Army Air Forces. Report of Major Accident. “Pago Bay…1/16/45…” May 1, 1945:

“Aircraft went in the ocean about one hundred and fifty (150) yards off the coast of Guam. Aircraft was recovered.

….

“On 16 April 1945, B-29 42-94021 was flying by A.T.C. routing from Kwajalein to Depot Tower, with ultimate destination North Field, Guam. Pilot called Army Airways communication system at 1356 and gave his position report. That was the last transmission received from aircraft 42-94021.

“Upon investigation it was learned from eyewitnesses from both air and ground, that aircraft made a normal glide and water landing with all four engines apparently operating normal. Aircraft flight path was from the North East and almost directly down wind. Waves were large on the ocean surface and aircraft made contact with the crest of the wave and plowed nose down into another wave, turning over on its back and bursting into flying [flames?] upon impact. Aircraft sank below the surface of the water within three to five minutes. One wing broke off from the aircraft in the middle of the #1 engine nacelle, drifted into shore and lodged on a coral reef. Fuselage apparently went down in deep water as no trace of remains have been found, with the exception of small articles. Although some of the witnesses report possible survivors, all personnel on board at the time of the accident are still missing. The entire area of the crash has been searched on several occasions and with the help of the Navy, divers were sent to try and locate aircraft remains without success.

“It has been impossible to determine what caused the plane to crash insofar as insufficient remains were found to facilitate proper investigation.”

[Section E “Personnel Involved” notes as “Fatal” the same twelve names noted by ASN below.]

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 70:

“Date: Monday 16 April 1945

“Time: 14:00 LT [local time]

“Type: Boeing B-29A Superfortress

“Owner/operator: 60^th BSqn / 39^th BGp USAAF

“Registration: 42-94021

“MSN: 4728

“Fatalities: Fatalities: 12 / Occupants: 12

….

“Location: Sea…Pango Bay – [9m west of Deport Field AAF] Guam

“Phase: Landing

“Nature: Military

“Departure airport: Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands

“Destination airport: Andersen AAF, Guam

“Narrative:

“….Written off (destroyed) when crashed into Pacific Ocean: hit crest of a wave while low flying at Pango Bay, 9 miles west of Deport Field AAF, Guam, while on ferry flight from Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, on April 16, 1945. All 12 crew killed. According to the following excerpt from the official USAAF Major Accident Report # 45-4-16-507:

“1st Lt John D. O’Reilly, his crew and one passenger while en route from Kwajalein to Depot Field AAF Tower; ultimately destination North Field, Guam was lost on 16 April 1945 at approximately 14:00 Guam time….

Captain Robert H. Mitchell, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, from Marine Transport Squadron 952 witnessed the accident and gave the following statement:

“Just after taking off Agana on a routine instrument flight, I observed a four-engine plane off the east coast of Guam. This plane was about six hundred (600) feet, paralleling the coastline, when first observed and was in a gentle glide.

The plane was observed to continue its glide to the water. Upon impact with the water, the plane skipped once, exploded upon next impact and burning….

James A. Kane, Gunner’s Mate 1/C 49th Seabees, also witnessed the accident, Approximately 13:56 16 April 1945 while on a project on Triangle Point, I noticed a B-29 flying low over the water headed directly into Pago Bay from approximately due east. My first reaction was that it was another plane just flying low – but wondered how a ship of that size would clear the terrain of the island. Aircraft continued to lose altitude and finally made contact with water without attempting to change altitude. Aircraft flight path was at 5 degree decent with top of water. Aircraft burst into flames upon impact. All but one wing tip submerged within two or three minutes. It was hard to determine whether or not anyone was able to escape, from where I was viewing the accident.”

“Crew of B-29 #42-94021:

1st Lt John D. O’ Reilly Airplane Commander
2nd Lt Jack G. Wampack Pilot
2nd Lt Harry F. Stallings, Jr Navigator
2nd Lt John A. Rauzi Bombardier
2nd Lt Phillip S. Munson Radar Observer
M/Sgt Roy V. Duncan Flight Engineer
S/Sgt Anthony J. Scaffidi Radio Operator
Sgt Peter G. Navarra CFC Gunner
Cpl Walter M. Rusin Right Gunner
Cpl Stewart J. Reid Left Gunner
Cpl Raymond M. Stoll Tail Gunner
Cpl Bertrand H. Constantine Passenger.”

Baugher: “….Boeing B-29A-20-BN Superfortress….94021 MSN 7428…. Crashed into ocean 9 mi off Guam Island while on ferry flight from Kwajalein Apr 16, 1945. All crew killed.”

Sources

Army Air Forces. Report of Major Accident. “Pago Bay…1/16/45…” May 1, 1945. Accessed 12-19-2023 at: http://39th.org/39th/docs/reports/crew11accidentreport.pdf

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 70. USAAF B-29 too-low landing crash ferry from Kwajalein, hitting wave, Pango Bay, Guam, 4-16-1945. Accessed 12-19-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/98492

Baugher, Joseph F. 1942 USAAF Serial Numbers (42-91974 to 42-110188). 8-7-2023 revision. Accessed 12-19-2023 at:

20th Century

1945 — Apr 14, Penn-Central Air #142 off course/too-low crash, Cheat Mt. ~Morgantown, WV-20

lornajarrettblanchard April 14, 1945

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

–20 Aviation Safety Network, Accident Description, Pennsylvania-Central Air, April 14, 1945

–20 Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives. “Crash of a Douglas DC-3-313A…20 Killed.”

–20 CAB AIR, Pennsylvania-Central Airlines – Morgantown, West Virginia, April 14, 1945.

–20 Eckert. “Fatal commercial air transport crashes, 1924-1981.” AJFM&P, 3/1, Mar 1982, p.53.

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 69 (PA-Central):

“Date and Time: 14 April 1945; 16:58

“Type: Douglas DC-3-313A

“Operator: Pennsylvania-Central Airlines

“Registration: NC25692

“MSN: 2262

“First flight: 1940

“Total airframe hrs: 13040

“Crew: Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 3

“Passengers: Fatalities: 17 / Occupants: 17

“Total: Fatalities: 20 / Occupants: 20

“Location: 11 km (6.9 mls) ENE of Morgantown, WV (USA)

“Phase: En Route (ENR)

“Nature: Domestic Scheduled Passenger

“Departure airport: Pittsburgh (unknown airport), PA, (USA)

“Destination airport: Morgantown Airport, WV…USA

“Flight number: 142

“Narrative:

“Flight 142 departed Pittsburgh at 16:41. Eight minutes after takeoff the pilot was given the 16:30 Morgantown weather; Ceiling 1200 feet, visibility 2 miles, light fog. Approximately two minutes later the flight reported its position as over South Brownsville, approximately 27 miles north of Morgantown, at 2500 feet sea level. The pilot at this time was informed of a special Morgantown weather report which indicated a ceiling of 1000 feet and visibility of 1 mile. He was also informed that the Morgantown weather was at the minimum and that it was OK try and land. The captain acknowledged the message and replied that he would “take a look” and advise. Then at 16:56, 15 minutes after takeoff, the pilot was given the Morgantown weather and local traffic information. This was the last contract with the flight.

“Beyond South Brownsville the aircraft encountered a continually lowering ceiling and proceeded at or through the irregular base of the cloud deck. Several witnesses observed the aircraft alternately in and out of the ragged overcast over a distance of approximately 20 miles and over the higher terrain east of the regular course. At 16:58 the aircraft crashed near the top of a ridge on the west side of Cheat Mountain at an elevation of about 2100 feet. When the airplane crashed it was seven miles off course and two miles off the airway.”

Civil Aeronautics Board, Accident Investigation Report (Docket No. SA-102; File No. 874-45):

“The Accident

“Pennsylvania-Central Airlines [PCA] Flight 142 [NC25692] en route from Pittsburgh to Birmingham crashed against the west slope of Cheat Mountain seven miles east-northeast of Morgantown, West Virginia, about 1700 EWT [Eastern Winter Time], on April 14, 1945. All 17 passengers and three crew members were fatally injured and the Douglas DC-3 was destroyed by impact and fire.

“Description of the Flight:

“Captain Harold Houston Jones, PCA pilot and captain of Flight 141, contacted the Flight Advisory Service at the CAA at Pittsburgh about 1350, April 14, 1945, to check the weather between Pittsburgh and Birmingham. He specifically asked the opinion of the Flight Advisory Meteorologist as to whether he should pass up Morgantown, West Virginia, a scheduled stop at which landings were authorized only if the weather was above the minimums of 1000 foot ceiling and one mile visibility. He was informed by the forecaster that a cold front was in the vicinity of Morgantown and that the present ceiling of 2500 feet would lower to below the minimums behind the front. The forecaster pointed out that ceilings behind the front had been below 1000 feet and that there would be little reason to expect other-wise at Morgantown. The record indicates that Captain Jones read the route forecast prepared by the Flight Advisory Service which predicted zero ceilings in the higher terrain behind the front, otherwise 200 to 500 feet stratus clouds, improving to 700 to 1000 feet three to hour hours after the frontal passage.

“Captain Jones and First Officer William Thomas Repack discussed the weather situation and prepared the flight plan for the trip using, in addition to the Flight Advisory forecast, the PCA forecast. This latter forecast predicted for Morgantown 4000 feet overcast, but with a lower broken to overcast layer at 600 to 800 feet, visibility variable one half to two miles, rain and showers. The above conditions were to prevail until 2200 at which time they would improve with broken ceilings of 1000 to 1200 feet. In contained, in addition, a general statement to the effect that conditions north of the front would include a broken ceiling 2000 to 2500 feet above mean sea level.

“The most optimistic weather forecast available was prepared by the Weather Bureau station in Washington and contained a terminal forecast for Morgantown of 1500 feet overcast and 2 miles visibility after the frontal passage which was forecast at approximately 1430. The sequence reports for Morgantown had been consistently reporting lowering ceilings until by the time of take-off Morgantown reported 1200 feet and 2 miles which closely approached the minimum conditions for landing….

“Morgantown was served only by a 50 watt radio homing beacon which was inoperative at the time of the flight due to failure of the power supply. This beacon was not a required facility since instrument approaches were not authorized at Morgantown. Furthermore, the pilot was advised before take-off and again in flight that the facility was inoperative. The airport at Morgantown is located 50 miles south of Pittsburgh and approximately one mile east of Morgantown. Morgantown is situated on the Monongahela River which flows northward to Pittsburgh and which provides a navigational reference for contact operation.

“Flight 142 departed Pittsburgh at 1641… Eight minutes after take-off the pilot was given the 1630 Morgantown weather; Ceiling 1200 feet, visibility 2 miles, light fog. Approximately two minutes later the flight reported its position as over South Brownsville, approximately 27 miles north of Morgantown, at 2500 feet sea level. The pilot at this time was informed of a special Morgantown weather report which indicated a ceiling of 1000 feet and visibility of 1 mile. He was also informed that the Morgantown weather was at the minimum and that it ‘is OK if Jones wants to go in. If he doesn’t think it looks good, tell him to proceed on to Clarksburg.’ The captain acknowledged the message an replied that he would ‘take a look’ and advise. Then at 1656, 15 minutes after take-off, the pilot was given the Morgantown weather and local traffic information. This was the last contact with the flight.

“Beyond South Brownsville the aircraft encountered a continually lowering ceiling and proceeded at or through the irregular base of the cloud deck. Several witnesses observed the aircraft alternately in and out of the ragged overcast over a distance of approximately 20 miles and over the higher terrain east of the regular course. At 1658 the aircraft crashed near the top of a ridge on the west side of Cheat Mountain at an elevation of about 2100 feet and approximately seven miles east-northeast of the Morgantown Airport. When the airplane crashed it was seven miles off course and two miles off the airway.

“Severed tree tops indicated that the plane was in a descent of about 330 feet per minute and was banked slightly to the right at the moment of impact. The aircraft continued through the trees and underbrush, its wings and engine nacelles disintegrating progressively. Its first contact with the ground occurred approximately 160 feet beyond the point of initial impact with the trees, following which the aircraft skidded up the sloping terrain for an additional 240 feet. It burst into flames which consumed most of the fuselage including the cabin and the pilot’s compartment.

A search was initiated when it was determined that the aircraft was definitely overdue and after repeated attempts to contact it by radio had failed. The wreckage was first sighted from the air about 1045 the following day.

“The Investigation:

“The examination of the wreckage was rendered difficult due to the fact that the major portion of the aircraft was consumed by fire or damaged beyond the possibility of accurate analysis. However, it was determined that both engines were delivering power at the time of impact and that the propellers were set within cruising pitch limits.. The landing gear and flaps were retracted….

“Discussion:

“No evidence has been found of any material malfunction which may have contributed to the accident by necessitating a course of action which the conditions of weather and terrain rendered hazardous. Statements of witnesses, inspection of maintenance records and what evidence the records disclosed could lead only to the conclusion that there was no equipment failure.

“It is apparent that the weather situation was observed by the pilot over a period of approximately three hours prior to the accident and that there was available considerable information concerning the conditions at Morgantown throughout that period. The general trend of the weather was clearly towards below minimum conditions at Morgantown at the estimated time of arrival, indicating that there would be little likelihood of being able to make a landing under contact flight rule conditions from the proposed flight altitude of 2500 feet.

“The attitude of 2500 feet obviously was chosen by Captain Jones so as to permit the flight to remain below the overcast if possible since a Morgantown landing is permitted only under contact flight rules. If contact flight became impossible at any time during the flight the proper procedure would have been to climb to at least the minimum authorized instrument altitude and proceed in accordance with instrument flight rules, obtaining a new clearance from Airway Traffic Control. Although the minimum altitude for actual instrument flight from Pittsburgh to Morgantown as specified in the carrier’s operations manual and sanctioned by the Air Carrier Division of the Civil Aeronautics Administration was 3300 feet, the altitude of 2500 feet submitted by Captain Jones was approved under an ‘instrument clearance’ by the Airway Traffic Control Center of the Civil Aeronautics Administration in accordance with their practice of approving requested altitudes solely on the basis of other known traffic and without responsibility for terrain clearance, weather conditions, etc. ….

“In reconstructing the flight it is clear that it was intermittently on instruments between South Brownsville and Morgantown and without question the pilot should have abandoned his attempt to land at Morgantown. Furthermore, in view of his presumed knowledge of the weather he should have been fully prepared for just such a contingency. It seems apparent, however, that he avoided climbing to the prescribed instrument altitude of 3300 feet in the belief that he would be able to locate the Morgantown Airport by visual reference. It is not possible to determine exactly why he was off course although it is entirely possible that he mistook the Cheat River for the Monongahela River and was not able to correct his error in the poor visibility before crashing against Cheat Mountain. It is clear, however, that whatever may have been the cause for his departure from the course the accident resulted from the fact that the pilot at the time was where he had no right to be under the existing weather conditions and applicable safety regulations.

“Findings:

….

“3. The major portion of the weather data available for the flight strongly indicated the likelihood of below minimum conditions prevailing at Morgantown.

“4. For reasons undetermined the flight was approximately seven miles east of the proper course and two miles off the airway at the time of the crash.

“5. In the latter part of the flight the pilot encountered intermittent instrument weather conditions and failed thereupon to climb promptly, in accordance with established company and government procedure, to an instrument altitude which would provide a margin of safety over the adjacent terrain.

“6. While being thus flown in instrument weather at an altitude below the authorized safe minimum altitude for instrument flight, the airplane crashed into the west slope of Cheat-Mountain.

“Probable Cause:

“On the basis of the foregoing the Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the action of the pilot in continuing flight over mountains terrain under instrument conditions at an altitude below the minimum authorized instrument altitude.”(CAB AIR, Pennsylvania-Central Airlines – Morgantown, West Virginia, April 14, 1945.)

Sources

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 69. Pennsylvania-Central Airlines Douglas DC-3-313A crash, west side of Cheat Mt., near Morgantown WV, 14 April 1945. Accessed 12-9-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19450414-0

Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives. “Crash of a Douglas DC-3-313A near Morgantown: 20 Killed.” Accessed 12-9-2023 at:

https://www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-douglas-dc-3-313a-near-morgantown-20-killed

Civil Aeronautics Board. Accident Investigation Report. Pennsylvania-Central Airlines – Morgantown, West Virginia, April 14, 1945 (File No. 874-45). Washington, DC: CAB, March 20, 1946. At: http://dotlibrary1.specialcollection.net/scripts/ws.dll?websearch&site=dot_aircraftacc

Eckert, William G. “Fatal commercial air transport crashes, 1924-1981.” American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, Vol. 3, No. 1, March 1982, Table 1.

20th Century

1945 — April 12, Tornadoes, OK/102 (Antlers/69; Muskogee County/13), AR/21, MO/5–128

lornajarrettblanchard April 12, 1945

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard for: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/ Last edit 12-9-2023.

–129 storymaps.arcgis.com. “The April 12, 1945 Tornado Outbreak.” [I count 128 in narrative.]

–128 Grazulis. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991. 1993, pp. 242, 503, 919.

— 08 Oklahoma County, OK. (Grazulis. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991. 1993, pp. 503, 919)

— 03 Latimer County, OK. “

— 07 Crawford, AR & Sequoyah, OK Counties. (Grazulis 1993, pp. 242, 503, 919)

— 13 Muskogee County, OK. (Grazulis, 1993, pp. 503, 919)

— 04 Cherokee County, OK. “

— 69 Antler, OK. Brooks/Doswell 2000; OK/NWS 2008; Pushmataha Co. (Grazulis, 503, 919)

— 01 McDonald, MO. (Grazulis, 1993, pp. 503, 919)

— 09 Madison and Carroll Counties, AR. “

— 04 Polk, MO. “

— 10 Logan and Johnson Counties, AR. “

Arkansas – 21:

–02 Crawford County, AR. (Grazulis 1993, pp. 503, 919)

–2 Dora. Young girl and her grandmother. (storymaps.arcgis.com.)

–09 Madison, Carroll Counties. (Grazulis 1993, pp. 503, 919; storymaps.arcgis.com.) –1 Crosses. (Ada Evening News, OK. “Oklahoma…74 Tornado…” 4-13-1945, p1.)

–1 Japton. (storymaps.arcgis.com.)

–7 Marble area (storymaps.arcgis.com.)

–10 Logan, Johnson Counties, AR. (Grazulis 1993, pp. 503, 919)

Missouri – 05:

–01 McDonald County, MO. (Grazulis 1993, pp. 503, 919)

–04 Polk County, MO. “

Oklahoma – 102:

–04 Cherokee County, OK (Grazulis 1993, pp. 503, 919; storymaps.arcgis.com.)

— 4 Hulbert (storymaps.arcgis.com.)

–03 Latimer County, OK (Grazulis 1993, pp. 503, 919; storymaps.arcgis.com.)

— 1 Red Oak (Ada Evening News, OK. “Oklahoma…74 Tornado…” 4-13-1945, p1.)

–13 Muskogee County, OK (Grazulis 1993, pp. 503, 919; storymaps.arcgis.com.)

–08 Oklahoma County, OK. (Grazulis 1993, pp. 503, 919)

–8 SE side of Oklahoma City near Tinker AFB. (storymaps.arcgis.com.)

–69 Pushmataha County, OK (Grazulis 1993, pp. 503, 919; storymaps.arcgis.com.)

–69 Antlers. NWS WFO, Norman, OK. “Top Ten Deadliest OK…”

–05 Sequoyah County, OK (Grazulis 1993, pp. 503, 919; storymaps.arcgis.com.))

— 1 Greenwood Junction. (Ada Evening News, OK. “Oklahoma…Tornado…” 4-13-1945, p1.)

— 1 Rowland (Ada Evening News, OK. “Oklahoma…74 Tornado…” 4-13-1945, p1.)

–07 Sequoyah/Crawford counties. storymaps.arcgis.com.

Narrative Information

Grazulis: “OK APR 12, 1945 1525 8k 200inj 400y 20m F4. OKLAHOMA–Moved NE from near the Cleveland County line, along the SE edge of Oklahoma City. About 160 homes were destroyed in the communities of Valley Brook, Dell City, and Choctaw. Most of the dead and injured were families of personnel at Tinker Air Force Base. $1,000,000.

“OK APR 12, 1945 1615 3k 15inj 200y 12m F3. LATIMER — Moved NE from 7m SE of Wilburton to 4m NE of Red Oak, hitting the “Boggy” community. Three children were killed as a small home was leveled and swept away. $30,000.

“OK-AR APR 12, 1945 1630 7k 40inj…llm F3. SEQUOYAH_,OK/CRAWFORD, AR — Moved NE from near Roland, Oklahoma, passing north of Dora, Arkansas. Five people were killed in Oklahoma as a small home was destroyed. Two other tornado-related fatalities occurred in Arkansas when a girl and her grandmother were caught as their home was destroyed and burned near Dora.

“OK APR 12, 1945 1650 13k 200inj 400y 3m F4. MUSKOGEE — Moved NE at the east edge of Muskogee, hitting the School for the Blind. Losses totaled $1,400,000, mostly in the “Hyde Park” residential area and at the school. Three of the 13 deaths were at the school, as the girl’s dormitory roof collapsed. Many of the injured were in the school gym. About 100 homes were damaged or destroyed.

“OK APR 12, 1945 1700 4k 8inj 200y 4m F2. CHEROKEE — Moved NE, damaging or destroying 81 buildings at Hulbert. Four people were killed in a small home at the north edge of town.

“OK APR 12, 1945 1740 69k 353inj 800y 28m F5. PUSHMATAHA — Moved NE from 5m SW of Antlers, devastating about a third of that town. Over 600 buildings were destroyed, and over 700 were damaged. This tornado would have commanded the attention of both the local and the national press if it were not for the death of President Roosevelt. In spite of the enormity of the disaster, even nearby newspapers had more information on the death of the President than on the tornado. $1,500,000.

“MO APR 12, 1945 1900 lk 15inj 200y 13m F3. MCDONALD–Moved ENE from 4m W of Pineville, destroying several homes lm N of town. One woman was killed and five people were injured in one home. The last damage was south of Stella….

“AR APR 12, 1945 2000 9k 30inj 400y 30m F3. MADISON/CARROLL–Moved NE from near Crosses, 5m SW of Japton, passing 4m SE of Huntsville. Homes were destroyed in at least a half dozen small communities. One person died in a barn near Japton, and seven members of one family were killed as a small home was obliterated just south of Marble. The tornado lifted 4m E of Metalton. Several thousand acres of forest were uprooted. $70,000….

“MO APR 12, 1945 2045 4k 16inj 300y 8m F4. POLK–Moved NE through the NW part of Morrisville, destroying eight homes, and killing people in two of them. $250,000.

“AR APR 12, 1945 2100 10k 70inj 600y 50m F4. LOGAN/JOHNSON — Moved NE from 8m SW of Booneville to 5m NE of Clarksville. Many homes were swept away along the section of the path from 2m E to 8m NE of Paris. Five people died in that area, and five others were killed at Minnow Creek, near the end of the path. About 100 homes were damaged or destroyed in five small communities in Johnson County. $200,000.” (Grazulis. 1993, p. 919.)

storymaps.arcgis.com. “The April 12, 1945 Tornado Outbreak.” —

“During the afternoon of April 12, 1945, the nation was in shock over the sudden death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. As many residents of eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas undoubtedly huddled by their radios listening to the reports of the President’s death, they likely were unaware of the gathering storm clouds outside. In those days, the very mention of the word “tornado” was not allowed by the government, as this might cause undue panic.

“The weather turned violent to the west just after 3 pm, when a twister killed 8 on the southeast side of Oklahoma City near Tinker AFB. The storms would unleash their fury on eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas over the next 6 hours.

“Overview

“A total of 7 tornadoes have been documented in the area that makes up the present County Warning and Forecast Area of the National Weather Service office in Tulsa, OK. As is typically the case with tornado events from the past, the actual number may have been considerably higher. There may have been other tornadoes that were unaccounted for due to a lack of damage reports. It is also possible that the longer tracked tornadoes could have been comprised of a “family” of tornadoes, or multiple tornadoes from the same thunderstorm.

“The destruction was not limited to our area. Other significant tornadoes occurred farther east and northeast into Arkansas, Missouri and Illinois. This outbreak was responsible for 129 fatalities in all, with hundreds of injuries….

“The Antlers Tornado – 5:40 pm – 69 killed, 353 injured

“The violent tornado first touched down southwest of Antlers near the Hall community. A short time later, it tore through Antlers, becoming one of the most devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma history. Tracking from the southwest part of the city to the northeast, the twister cut a swath of destruction nearly a half-mile wide and destroyed most everything in its path. Roughly one-third of the town lay in ruins, as 375 homes and 250 buildings were destroyed, while around 200 more homes and buildings were heavily damaged. The destruction left about 1500 people homeless. The time of the storm was determined to be at 5:40 p.m., as electric clocks stopped at that hour….

“After leaving Antlers, the tornado continued northeast until it struck the One Creek area in Pushmataha County, then on to the Nashoba area. Additional damage was reported at the community of Red Bank in LeFlore County, with another two injuries. Some accounts say the tornado continued on northeast to Wister and on in to Arkansas, but no historical evidence could be found of this occurring. The F5 rating is based on photographs and witness accounts, but is largely inconclusive.

“Other April 12, 1945 Tornadoes

“The Antlers tornado was one of several deadly twisters that struck eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas during the afternoon and evening of April 12, 1945. In all, 103 area residents lost their lives that day, with scores of others injured, and many lives undoubtedly changed forever. Below we have listed the rest of the tornadoes from that day.

“‘Boggy’, OK Tornado – 4:15 pm: 3 killed, 15 injured

“The first tornado of the afternoon in eastern Oklahoma struck Latimer County, moving from southeast of Wilburton to northeast of Red Oak. The hardest hit area was the community of “Boggy”, 5 miles north of Red Oak, which consisted of a dozen or so houses, an elementary school, a teacherage, a cemetery and a church. By all accounts, the entire community was basically destroyed. Three children were killed as a small home was swept away. 15 others were injured.

“According to those who survived the tornado, if the school principal hadn’t made the decision to let school out early due to the impending stormy weather, there would likely have been many more deaths as the brick building was flattened to the foundation….

“Roland, OK / Dora, AR Tornado – 4:30 pm – 7 killed, 40 injured

“Another strong tornado developed a few miles from the Oklahoma, Arkansas border at around 430 pm, striking near the town of Roland, OK. Five people were killed in near Greenwood Junction Sequoyah County, when a small home was destroyed. Just across the Arkansas line, north of the town of Dora, a young girl and her grandmother lost their lives when their home was destroyed and subsequently caught fire….

“Muskogee, OK Tornado – 4:50 pm – 13 killed, 200 injured

“Also hit hard that April afternoon was the city of Muskogee, OK. A large twister tore through the eastern section of the city shortly before 5 pm, damaging most of the roofs and demolishing the gymnasium at the Oklahoma School for the Blind. Three students at the school were killed as the girls dormitory roof collapsed, and many others were seriously injured. Damage to the school was estimated at $1,000,000, and the school was closed for the remainder of the year.

“The tornado also cut a swath of destruction through homes around the school, particularly in the St. Joseph addition and the Hyde Park area near the Arkansas River. Of the 50 or so houses in the Hyde Park area, only three were left standing. A nearby church was also destroyed. In all, about 100 homes were either damaged or destroyed in Muskogee.

“The destruction was widespread, and assistance was called for from nearby Camp Gruber. Ambulances from the Army training camp helped transport the injured to Muskogee’s hospitals. A large part of the city was without electric power for several hours when lines from a plant on the Arkansas river were blown down. The lack of power caused significant problems with the city’s water pumps. To help allay the water shortages, the Army also assisted the city by pumping water from the Arkansas River.

“Hulbert, OK Tornado – 5:00 pm – 4 killed, 8 injured

“This tornado struck the town of Hulbert, OK in northern Cherokee County not long after the Muskogee tornado. The timing and path suggest that it may have been spawned from the same storm. In all, 81 buildings in Hulbert were significantly damaged. Four people were killed in a small home at the north edge of town.

“Madison County Tornado – 8:00 pm – 9 killed, 30 injured

“At around 8 pm, a strong tornado developed near the town of Crosses, then moved northeast along a roughly 30 mile path. Substantial damage occurred in Crosses, where the school house and several homes were destroyed, along with the post office, a store building and a canning factory. A hotel building was shifted off its foundation and heavily damaged. One person was killed in Crosses.

“Several other small communities suffered significant damage. The tornado also struck the communities of Asher and Japton, where a number of homes, barns and outbuildings were heavily damaged. Another person was killed in a barn near the town of Japton.

“From there, the tornado moved northeast and struck the community of Aurora, destroying most of the few remaining structures there. Farther northeast, seven members of one family all lost their lives when their home was destroyed just south of Marble. The tornado eventually passed a few miles southeast of Huntsville, before eventually lifting 4 miles east of Metalton in Carroll County….

“Carroll County Tornado – 8:00 pm – 0 killed, 0 injured.

“The final documented tornado from that evening developed near Gage Mountain, 9 miles south of Berryville, and passed about 5 miles east of Berryville. The only documented damage was to a home in the community of “Cisco”. No deaths or injuries occurred.”

Newspaper

April 13: Ada Evening News, OK. “Oklahoma Counts 74 Tornado-Dead, Hundreds Homeless. Antlers is Hardest Hit With 55 Dead; Dozen Places Struck. Muskogee Has 11 Dead, State School For Blind There is Wrecked; Four Residence Blocks in Oklahoma City Levelled.” 4-13-1945, p.1.)

“Oklahoma City, April 13. – (AP) – Oklahoma counted its tornado-dead at 74 and the homeless in hundreds today after twisters bounced crazily over the state to spread destruction in a dozen cities and rural communities.

“The storms swept on into Arkansas, killing three, and two persons were reported missing in a storm at Morrisville, Mo.

“Most seriously hit in Oklahoma by yesterday afternoon’s storms were Antlers with 55 dead, Muskogee with 11, Oklahoma City with four and Hulbert with three. Boggy had one fatality, as did Red Oak, Greenwood Junction and Rowland. In Arkansas, two were killed at Dora and one near Fayetteville….

“Red Cross Chairman Paul Osborn at Antlers, struggling to bring order into rescue work said one-third of the city of 3,000 was demolished when wind caught up 500 or 600 residences. Army posts and Red Cross chapters were sending all available personnel into the area, and Will Rogers Army Air Field at Oklahoma City ent a badly needed portable electric power plant.

“At Muskogee a twister whirled through the eastern outskirts, seriously damaging every building of the Oklahoma School for the Blind, many of whose inmates were hospitalized. A large part of the city was without electric power for several hours when lines from a plant on the Arkansas river were blown down. Damage to the Oklahoma School for the Blind from yesterday’s tornado here is estimated at $1,000,000 and the school will be closed for the remainder of the year, officials said today. The city water supply was cut off, with a reserve of 2,000,000 gallons for fire protection, but the pumping station is expected to be back in operation by noon Saturday. One hundred and fifteen persons are hospitalized here.

Sources

Ada Evening News, OK. “Oklahoma Counts 74 Tornado-Dead, Hundreds Homeless.” 4-13-1945, p. 1. Accessed 12-9-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/ada-evening-news-apr-13-1945-p-1/

Brooks, Harold E. and Charles A Doswell III (NOAA/National Severe Storms Laboratory). “Normalized Damage from Major Tornadoes in the United States: 1890-1999.” Revised manuscript submitted as Note to Weather and Forecasting, Vol. 16, 9 p., Sep 2000. Accessed 11-25-2017 at: http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/users/brooks/public_html/damage/tdam1.html

Grazulis, Thomas P. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events. St. Johnsbury, VE: Environmental Films, 1993, 1,326 pages.

storymaps.arcgis.com. “The April 12, 1945 Tornado Outbreak.” Accessed 12-9-2023 at: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ce31f44c04ec40739c6ddc97921ef573

20th Century

1945 — April 1, USAAF B-29 engine fire and crash, 6 miles NE of Alamogordo, NM– 12

lornajarrettblanchard April 12, 1945

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard for: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/ Last edit 12-10-2023.

–12 AP. “12 Army Flyers Killed…Alamogordo…Plane Crashes.” Albuquerque Journal, NM, 4-3-1945, p3.

–12 Aviation Safety Network. USAAF Boeing B-29 Superfortress crash near Alamogordo AAF

–12 Baugher, Joseph. 1944 USAAF Serial Numbers (44-40049 to 44-70254. 10-92023 revision.

–12 Gallup Independent, NM. “Twelve Die in Plane Crash.” 4-2-1945, p. 1.

–12 Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V3, Aug 1944-Dec 1945, 1069.

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 60 (44-69697):

“Date: Sunday 1 April 1945

“Type: Boeing B-29 Superfortress

“Owner/operator: 231th CCTS BU USAAF

“Registration: 44-69697

“MSN: 10529

“Fatalities: Fatalities: 12 / Occupants: 12 [Mireles writes that two parachuted safely.]

….

“Location: 8 miles NE of Alamagodo AAF, New Mexico – USA

‘Phase: En route

“Nature: Military

“Departure airport: Alamogordo AAF, Alamogordo, NM

“Destination airport: Alamogordo AAF

“Narrative:

“crashed 1 April 1945 eight miles northeast of Alamogordo AAF, New Mexico. Twelve crew killed….”

Baugher: “….44-69655/69704 Boeing B-29-55-BW Superfortress….Delivered to USAAF 19Dec44. Assigned to Combat Crew Training Swuadron, 231^st Army Air Force Base Unit, Alamogordo AAF, NM. Crashed 1Apr45 eight miles northeast of Alamogordo AAF, NM Twelve crew were killed.”

Mireles: “At-2022MWT, a Boeing B-29B suffering an in-flight fire crashed six miles northeast of Alamogordo, New Mexico, killing 12 fliers. Gunner Pfc. Dean F. Bittner and flight engineer 2Lt. William C. Dolton parachuted to safety, escaping injury. Gunner Pfc. John M. Macbeth fell to his death in an unsuccessful parachute jump…. Investigators stated,

“A B-29 took off at 1500 MWT [from Alamogordo Army Air Field] and flew a high altitude formation mission for approximately five hours. About 2000 MWT, the pilot called the tower for landing information and was advised to land on Runway 25 to the southwest. A short time later the pilot called in on the downwind leg and was advised to fly a pattern for Runway 15 to the south. Pilot acknowledged and turned left to a north heading for the downwind leg of Runway 15. Wheels were down and flaps coming down when a violent fire broke out in the number-four engine. The alarm bell was rung and two crew-members bailed out of the rear door. The airplane continued straight ahead in a dive and then made a right turn of approximately 180 degrees. Just before striking the ground it appeared to flare out slightly and then dove in, right wing first, exploded and burned.”

“It was speculated that a fuel line failure caused the fire in the number-four engine nacelle. This large fire on the starboard wing caused a great loss of lift for that wing.” (Mireles 2006, 1069.)

Contemporary Newspaper Article:

April 2: “Alamogordo, N.M., April 2 (AP) — Col. John W. Warren, commandant, announced today that 12 of the crew were killed and two parachuted safely last night when a four engine bomber crashed eight miles northeast of Alamogordo army air field.” (Gallup Independent, NM. “Twelve Die in Plane Crash.” 4-2-1945, p. 1.)

April 3, AP: “Alamogordo, April 2 (AP) – Twelve crewmen were killed and two others parachuted safely in the crash of a four-engined bomber Sunday night eight miles northeast of here. Col. Joh W. Warren, commander of the Alamogordo Army air field, listed the dead as: [We list names separately.]

Second Lieut. George C. Jackson, Alamogordo;

Second Lieut. Neil T. Wiley, St. Paul, Minn.;

Flight Officer Richard T. Lassell, South Minneapolis, Minn.;

Second Lieut. Donald K. Kilgore, Opportunity, Wash.;

Second Lieut. Vernon A. Selph, Alamogordo;

Pfc. John M. MacBeth, Tularosa, N.M.;

Cpl. Robert D.. Kramer, Alamogordo;

Cpl. James J. Panek Jr., Alamogordo;

Pvt. Robert F. Mullin, New York City;

Sgt. Howard E. Wells, Lyle, Minn.;

Sgt. William E. Stack, Detroit Mich.;

Pvt. Webb L. Eady, Helena, Ala.”

(Associated Press. “12 Army Flyers Killed When Alamogordo Base Bombing Plane Crashes.” Albuquerque Journal, NM, 4-3-1945, p. 3.)

Sources

Associated Press. “12 Army Flyers Killed When Alamogordo Base Bombing Plane Crashes.” Albuquerque Journal, NM, 4-3-1945, p. 3. Accessed 12-10-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/albuquerque-journal-apr-03-1945-p-3/

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 60. USAAF Boeing B-29 Superfortress crash near Alamogordo, AAF, 1 April 1945. Accessed 12-10-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/98485

Baugher, Joseph F. 1944 USAAF Serial Numbers (44-40049 to 44-70254. 10-92023 revision. Accessed 12-10-2023 at: https://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1944_4.html

Gallup Independent, NM. “Twelve Die in Plane Crash.” 4-2-1945, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=88377373&sterm=alamogordo+plane

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.

20th Century

1945 — Apr 11, chemicals explode/fire, Super Products Co. plant., NY Ave., Des Moines, IA–8

lornajarrettblanchard April 11, 1945

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

–8 AP. “Des Moines Fire Death Toll Mounts.” Creston News Advertiser, IA. 4-13-1945, p. 5.

–8 Des Moines Register. “Keokuk Explosion Among Major Disasters in Iowa.” 11-26-1965, 4.

Narrative Information

April 12, AP: “Des Moines, (AP) – Six persons were dead and two others were in critical condition today as a result of an explosion and fire yesterday at the Super Products Co. plant, which manufactured plastic wood and plastic cement. All the victims worked at the plant. The latest victim was Murray Hitchins, 30, son of one of the owners of the firm, W. Ray Hitchins. Murray died early today. His father, 52, and Kenneth Brewer, 25, were in a critical condition. Only one person in the plant escaped death or injury.

“The other dead were: Thomas K. Carmichael, 56, a part owner of the firm; Mont Walters; William B. Marshman, 32; Mrs. Mildred Peterson, 36, and Mrs. Margaret McDannel, 35. All were residents of Des Moines except Marshman, who was from Panora.

“Helen Fitzerald, 26, Des Moines, a stenographer, was in the office when the blast occurred in the mixing room area. She said she ran from the building when she saw the flash from the explosion.

“Firemen said the fire followed explosion of chemicals used in the manufacture of the plastic products. Some office records were salvaged from the one-story brick structure.” (Associated Press. “Des Moines Plant Blast Fatal to 6.” Ottumwa Daily Courier, IA. 4-12-1945, p. 1.)

April 13, AP: “Des Moines, April 13 (AP) – W. Ray Hitchins, 52, died last night, bringing to eight the death toll in the explosion and fire which wrecked the Super Products company plant Wednesday. Hitchins, Des Moines, was manager of the firm which manufactured plastic wood and plastic cement. His son, Murray, 30, and Kenneth Brewer, 25, died earlier yesterday. All were burned critically in the explosion in which five persons were killed outright. Only person in the building to escape death or injury was Helen Fitzgerald, 26, Des Moines, a stenographer.” (AP. “Des Moines Fire Death Toll Mounts.” Creston News Advertiser, IA. 4-13-1945, p.5.)

Sources

Associated Press. “Des Moines Fire Death Toll Mounts.” Creston News Advertiser, IA. 4-13-1945, p5. Accessed 11-20-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/creston-news-advertiser-apr-13-1945-p-5/

Associated Press. “Des Moines Plant Blast Fatal to 6.” Ottumwa Daily Courier, IA. 4-12-1945, p. 1. Accessed 11-20-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/ottumwa-daily-courier-apr-12-1945-p-1/

Des Moines Register, IA. “Keokuk Explosion Among Major Disasters in Iowa.” 11-26-1965, p. 4. At: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=116169964&sterm=keokuk

20th Century

1945 – April 11, USAAF B-24J plane goes missing, Atlantic, off Charleston, SC –all 11

lornajarrettblanchard April 11, 1945

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard for: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/ Last edit 12-10-2023.

–11 Aviation Safety Network. USAAF Consolidated B-24J Liberator, missing off Charleston SC.

–11 Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V3, Aug 1944-Dec 1945, 1075.

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 67 (42-95611):

“Date: Wednesday 11 April 1945

“Time: 11:15

“Type: Consolidated B-24J Liberator

“Owner/operator United States Army Air Forces (USAAF)

“Registration: 42-95611

….

“Fatalities: Fatalities: 11 / Occupants: 11

“Aircraft damage: Aircraft missing

“Location: 68M SE Charleston, SC – USA [last seen (Mireles)]

“Phase: En route

“Nature: Military

“Departure airport: Charleston Army Airfield

“Destination airport: return to same

“Narrative:

“Crashed. B-24J Liberator #42-95611, with the 113th Base Unit, Charleston Army Airfield, South Carolina, went missing over the Atlantic Ocean during a routine training mission. Sometime after 11:15 EWT and 68 miles southeast of Charleston, the last known time and position, the aircraft was presumed to have crashed into the ocean. When the bomber failed to return to base, a search was conducted, but no trace of the ship or the crew were ever found.

“Missing and presumed lost at sea were (11) crewmembers:

1st Lt. Edward L. Madell, O-813539, IL, Instructor Pilot
Flt. Off. Charles S. Pitt, T-132452, LA, Pilot
Flt. Off. Eugene S. Moore, T-065629, KY, Co-Pilot
2nd Lt. Allan I. Klarfaen, O2081491, MA, Navigator
Flt. Off. Richard A. Goff, T-134204, OH, Bombardier
Sgt. Hector A. Glotfelter, 33836742, PA, Radio Operator
Sgt. Jack J. Jones, 35049709, NY, Gunner
Sgt. James H. Ressler, 38542743, TX, Flight Engineer
Cpl. Harold R. Luke, 42026881, NY, Gunner
Cpl. Clifford L. Meeks, 36242860, WI, Gunner
Cpl. Anthony F. Souza, 31356617, MA, Gunner.”

Mireles: “At an unknown time after 1115 EWT, a Consolidated B-24J disappeared and is presumed to have crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. Eleven crewmembers were missing and presumed lost at sea. The airplane was part of a five-ship flight that took off at 0709 EWT from Charleston Army Air Field, Charleston, South Carolina, on a routine training flight. At 1045 EWT, the formation broke up because of poor weather. The subject airplane was last seen 68 miles southeast of Charleston Army Air Field at about 1115 EWT. The airplane failed to return to base and was declared missing.” (Mireles 2006, 1075.)

Sources

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 67. USAAF Consolidated B-24J Liberator, missing off Charleston SC, 11 April 1945. Accessed 12-9-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/101438

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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