Collings B-17 Crash: 909

[aerovin2]

So sorry to hear of this crash this morning at the Bradley International Airport at Windsor Locks, CT, of B-17G 44-83575. Scattered information suggests mechanical problem and possible fatalities. I'm resisting the urge that I need to know right now the details of what happened. Suffice it to say that people are more important than the machine and I, for one, will set aside the rumors and speculation as best I can. Sad news.

[terveurn]

909 has been a hard luck aircraft it's entire life......

2 confirmed dead

12 injured

https://www.courant.com/breaking-news/h ... story.html

crash.JPG

[terveurn]

Rebuildable ?

more

https://www.wfsb.com/news/hurt-in-b--ww ... 67428.html

crash 2.JPG

[TAdan]

What a heartbreaking loss. Even more so since it sounds like there may have been a loss of life.

I hope those that were injured are able to recover quickly.

909 has touched alot of people in 30 years of touring and will be fondly remembered.

[terveurn]

Tower conversation is here:

causalities have been upped to 5.

https://fox61.com/2019/10/02/reported-p ... r-bradley/

[Dennis56]

Triple tragedy. First and foremost for the loss of lives, which can't be replaced,and injuries. Second, for the loss of the aircraft, which can be replaced, but it will take a lifetime (literally). And finally, because some politician is already grandstanding "for changes". Dennis

[terveurn]

Looking at the post photos, pretty sure this is not rebuildable. Even Liberty Bell had major portions of the wings to use as patterns.

What is not clear, why was this B-17 over 350 yards from the centerline of runway 6 when it crashed into the de-icing pits. Even with one engine shut-down, this aircraft should not have had an issue with remaining in flight.

231909 crash 2 October 2019 DD.JPG

[suzyQ194]

One of the reports sad the engine was on fire maybe.

[suzyQ194]

https://www.dropbox.com/s/sia9fj0m0npsh ... F1w3gnXx4g

[suzyQ194]

posted audio above cleary I hear fire engine 4 return to blow out.

[suzyQ194]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weNLHLWSg6g

[terveurn]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weNLHLWSg6g

That video is NOT appropriate....

The first two minutes shows a photo of the CAF's "Sentimental Journey" which did not crash.

[aerovin2]

Based on what was made available this afternoon, the airplane struck the localizer antenna for the ILS RWY 24 equipment that is installed short of the RWY 6 threshold. It then went across a grassy area and a taxiway until it impacted an area where deicing storage tanks were installed. As indicated above, the crew advised the approach control that they wanted to return to land with a short explanation of "fire" and then indicated it was in the #4 engine and they wanted to land to "blow it out"...unusual terminology for an airborne engine fire. The time hacks are not accurate on the available recording so it would be good to know how long it was between takeoff to the crew advising they wished to return. Based on one flight tracking site, the airplane never got above 800' (msl or agl??), understandable if it was an immediate return. They had been instructed at takeoff to make a 35 degree turn to the right after departure so that would suggest they were making right traffic back to RWY 06 when approach control allowed the turn back. When the crew contacted the local controller for the landing clearance there did not seem to be any other information provided. It is too early to know what was going on in the cockpit and with the airplane as it made its base turn and final turn to runway 06. I think all the details will be provided as the investigation proceeds.

[terveurn]

Most up-to date information seems to confirm the striking of the ILS Station

https://www.wfsb.com/news/people-killed ... 67428.html

Clear photo of the wreckage:

B-17 crash GG small.jpg

B-17 wreck BB.JPG

B-17 wreck.JPG

[terveurn]

NTSB B-roll taken 3 October 2019

Crash wreckage and initial investigation before moving

https://youtu.be/eFLMqzdOtSQ?t=21