B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 42-31469

History of
B-17 42-31469

Delivered Cheyenne 4/11/43; Gt Falls 8/11/43; Gr Island 18/11/43; Romulus 26/11/43; Presque Is 27/11/43; Prestwick 1/12/43; Assigned: 367BS/306BG [GY-K] Thurleigh 2/12/43; crash: takeoff for Brunswick with a leaflet drop 26/4/44, Pilot: Don Schaefer, Co-Pilot: Floyd Henry, Navigator: Willard Transeth, Bombardier: Roy McKinney, Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: Sheldon Kinberg, Radio Operator: Chas Weller, Ball Turret Gunner: John Byrd, Waist Gunner: Ron Minter, Waist Gunner: John Simons (9KIA); Tail Gunner: George Littlefield (RTD); #2 caused problems, ship banked steeply and crashed near base, at Bletsoe, Beds., UK. Salvaged.

Last updated: 12. July 2023

B-17 42-31469 Details

Grounded flying personnel and mechanics who were watching the take-off reported that they saw one of the aircraft’s engines on fire very shortly after it became airborne, and since the crash occurred very near this airdrome, it was assumed that the pilot banked too steeply and without sufficient altitude in an attempt to bring the aircraft in for a landing.

Source: MACR 15187

B-17 42-31469 Crew

Related web sites about the B-17 42-31469

1. http://www.aircrewremembrancesociety.co.uk/styled-24/styled-27/styled-328/index.html