BA tail code and B-17F 42-29782

[aerovin2]

I am trying to identify the "BA" tail code shown on this accident photo of B-17F 42-29782, the airplane that survived as N17W and is now displayed at the Museum of Flight in Seattle.

The airplane was assigned to Moses Lake at the time but that tail code does not seem to correspond with that. Any ideas?

[Chris Brame]

A clue? 42-29497 was assigned to Moses Lake:

42-29497 Del Cheyenne 26/12/42; Boise 16/1/43; Gowen 22/5/43; Moses Lake 17/6/43; Spokane 14/8/43; WO 30/4/44

Code here is "BI"; note how it's on the fuselage as well, wrapping underneath. Wonder if that's the obscured marking on '782? Maybe these letters are plane codes rather than base codes? Maybe try checking some more Moses Lake accident photos?

[terveurn]

Aircraft A of B squadron (593rd BS)

From my book....

moses toeses.jpg

[terveurn]

Aircraft K of A squadron

1310-AK.jpg

[aerovin2]

Okay, then...that would answer the question. You guys are good....