FK138

On September 21, 1944 at 12:00 PM, FK138 experienced a crash involving Martin B-26 Marauder, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, with the event recorded near Grottaglie All Italy.

The flight was categorized as survey / patrol / reconnaissance and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

6 people were known to be on board, 6 fatalities were recorded, 0 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 100.0%.

Crew on board: 6, crew fatalities: 6, passengers on board: 0, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

Shortly after take off, while in initial climb, the aircraft hit power cables and crashed in a huge explosion. All six crew members were killed. Crew (14th Squadron): W/O Frank Elliott, pilot, Sgt Alan Keith Stewart, pilot, Sgt James Michael Kahle, navigator, Sgt Ronald Joseph Heller, wireless operator and air gunner, Sgt John William Bates, air gunner, F/Sgt Cyril Mervyn Taylor, air gunner.

Aircraft reference details include registration FK138, MSN 7379, year of manufacture 1941.