Martin B-26 Marauder

American Airpower Heritage Museum

Witnesses observed the aircraft approximately 250 feet above the ground heading towards the southwest. As the aircraft passed overhead, the 'engines were sputtering.' Approximately 3/4 mile from the witnesses, the aircraft made a 'sharp' right turn, nosed down, and impacted the ground. The engines 'quit' prior to the aircraft turning right. According to the operator, the flight was in preparation for a flight evaluation for the pilot-in-command by an FAA inspector. The pilot reported to Departure Control that he would be 'working on stalls and steep turns,' and the pilot was instructed to 'maintain VFR at or above five thousand five hundred.' The pilot-in-command had accumulated approximately 500 hours in the B-26. Prior to the accident flight, he had flown the B-26 once since October 8, 1993. That flight was on September 26, 1995, for a duration of 30 minutes. Prior to the flight the fuel tanks were 'sticked' and the total fuel was approximately 720 gallons of 100 octane low lead avgas. Examination of the airplane and engines did not disclose any pre mishap discrepancies. Due to the extent of damage, flight control continuity could not be established.

Private Mexican

Crashed shortly after takeoff from Mexico City Airport for unknown reason. Three passengers were killed while five other occupants were injured. The airplane was owned by R. O'Farrell.

Continental Can Company

The purpose of this flight was to transport the executives from Midway Airport, Chicago, Illinois, to Baltimore, Maryland. Departure from Midway was at 1645LT. When the flight was near Marion, Ohio, and shortly after it had traversed an area of pronounced thunderstorm activity, it dived violently and nearly vertically to the ground. Destruction was of such extent that it could not be determined if a structural failure occurred in flight and consequently the probable cause of this accident could not be established.

French Air Force - Armée de l'Air

The aircraft left Mengen Airbase in the morning on a flight to Brétigny-sur-Orge, south of Paris, with several French Officers on board. Shortly before noon, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with low visibility due to heavy snow falls. While flying over the Vosges Mountain Range, the aircraft hit the slope of the snowy Le Ballon d'Alsace (1,247 meters high). The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all 12 occupants were killed. Crew (Groupe II/20 Bretagne): S/Lt René Gasperment, pilot, Sgt René Le Pironnec, navigator, S/Lt André Taîb, radio operator, Sgt Léopold Ney, mechanic. Passengers: Cdt Jean Mahé, Chief of Groupe II/20 Bretagne, Cpt Loïc Le Saulnier, Cpt Robert Milbeau, Cdt Marcel Badoy, Mrs Simone Badoy, Mr Antoine Badoy (5 years old), Mrs Jeanne Marie Stern, spouse of Cdt Jean Mahé, Mr Robert Jolly, (9 years old, son of Cdt Jean Mahé).

French Air Force - Armée de l'Air

Shortly after takeoff from Lyon-Bron Airport, while climbing, the crew encountered an unexpected technical failure and lost control of the aircraft that crashed onto a hill located in Poleymieux-au-Mont-d’Or, north of Lyon. All five crew members and 11 passengers were killed. Crew: Cpt Thomas, pilot, Sgt René Bertini, copilot, Asp André Moreau, navigator, Sgt Aimé Barberis, radio operator, Cpl Darech, flight engineer.

French Air Force - Armée de l'Air

The crew was returning to Saint-Dizier with French soldiers on leave. On approach, the visibility was poor due to foggy conditions. The aircraft was too low and hit poplar tops before crashing in flames in Ambrières, few km from the airbase. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and all 12 occupants were killed. Crew (Groupe de Bombardement I/32 Gascogne): Roger Derycke, pilot, Pierre Lugrez, copilot, Henri Neys, Albert Onimus, Hubert Trouillet, Jean-François Rajon. Passengers: Pierre Danigo, Pierre Bertrand, Jean-Marc Zuccarelli, Emile Dufour, Roger Maniabal, Rapha'el Canneddu.

French Air Force - Armée de l'Air

The aircraft left Lyon-Bron Airfield in the early morning on an air bridge to Algiers. While flying over the Coirons mountain range at an altitude of 3,000 meters, the crew encountered technical problems with the right engine. The aircraft lost height and eventually stalled before crashing in a huge explosion in Mélas. All 20 occupants were killed. Crew: Cpt Jacques Saiget, pilot, Sgt René André Richard, copilot, Lt Claude Victor Bit, navigator, Sgt Marc André Emery, radio operator, Sgt Gabriel Martinet, flight engineer. Passengers: Abade Ben Mohamed, Mohamed Adil, Bagled, Jacob Ben Illouz, Georges Fouyaux, Antoine Giauguliano, Biali Hassen, Hubert Hermandez, Louis André Lathuillère, Ahmed Mimoni, Mohamed Ben Mohamed, Maurice Paya, Lons Solers, Mohamed Taleb, Amer Zaza.

French Air Force - Armée de l'Air

Attached to the Groupe de Bombardement Moyen I/22 Maroc, the aircraft left Lyon-Bron Airport in the morning to bomb several bridges over the Rhine. Approaching the target, the aircraft was shot down by enemy fire, exploded and crashed in flames in a field located in Chalampé. Four crew members were killed while three others were wounded. The aircraft was registered 08 and 42-107713. Crew: Cdt Raoul Robert Albert Menard, pilot, † Cpt Lucien Joseph Theobald, bomber, † S/Lt Eugène Truchot, navigator, † Sgt/C Pierre Marc Boutin, radio operator, † Adj Jean-Baptiste Liebenguth, air gunner, Lt Fourlinnie, Cpl Letoffet, air gunner. Sources & photos: http://jmfischer.chez.com/jbliebenguth.html

French Air Force - Armée de l'Air

About four minutes after takeoff from Lyon-Bron Airport, the right engine caught fire. The pilot attempted to make an emergency landing in a snowy field but the aircraft hit poplars and crashed in flames. While the aircraft was destroyed by fire, all five crew members were evacuated safely. The crew was returning to his base following a bombing mission over Rhine bridges. It is believed the aircraft may have been damaged by the German Flak during the operation. The crew was attached to the Groupe de Bombardement Moyen 2/63 Sénégal. Crew: Lt Willy Pinhede, pilot, Lt Duwernell, copilot, S/Lt Stoff, navigator, Adj Sagazan, radio operator, Victor Schoenenberger, flight engineer.

Royal Air Force - RAF

The crew departed Nassau-Lynden Pindling Field on a local training mission. Shortly after takeoff, the right engine failed. The crew was unable to maintain a safe altitude and the aircraft stalled and crashed into the sea some 500 yards offshore, about 7 km northeast of the airport, near the Balmoral Island. The aircraft was destroyed and both crew members were killed. crew: F/O John Walter Wood, pilot, F/O Maurice Francis O’Neill, copilot.

Royal Air Force - RAF

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.

Royal Air Force - RAF

While on a mission over the Mediterranean Sea, the Marauder was shot down by the pilot of a German Messerschmitt Me.109. The captain was able to leave the combat area and started a descent to the Alghero Airport but was unable to lower the landing gear. Thus, the twin engine aircraft belly landed and skidded for several yards before coming to rest. While the aircraft was damaged beyond repair, all eight crew members were unhurt. Crew (14th Squadron): P/O Herschell 7.

Royal Air Force - RAF

The crew was engaged in a night reconnaissance mission over the Mediterranean Sea. Shortly after take off from Alghero Airport, while climbing, the twin engine aircraft hit a mountain and crashed. All six crew members were killed. Crew (14th Squadron): F/O Maurice Trevor Holmes, pilot, P/O Phillip Matthew Todd, pilot, Sgt Cornelius Swinnerton Keefe, navigator, Sgt Walter Herbert Ellis, wireless operator and air gunner, Sgt Mark Irwin, wireless operator and air gunner, W/O William Hadyn Scourfield, air gunner.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

The crew left Lake Charles AFB on a routine training exercise over the Gulf of Mexico. En route, the twin engine aircraft crashed in the sea for unknown reason. No trace of the aircraft nor the crew was ever found.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

While flying over the county of East Sussex in low visibility, the bomber collided with another Martin B-26 Marauder of the USAAF. Registered 42-96249, it was also carrying a crew of six. Following the collision, both bombers dove into the ground and crashed in a field located in Battle. A crew member on board 42-107592 survived while all 11 other occupants were killed. Crew (394th BG): Lt Tommie Potts, Sgt George J. Kyle, † Lt Christian Burger, † Lt Leroy A. Dyer, † Sgt James M. Long, † Sgt George W. Williams. †

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

While flying over the county of East Sussex in low visibility, the bomber collided with another Martin B-26 Marauder of the USAAF. Registered 42-107592, it was also carrying a crew of six. Following the collision, both bombers dove into the ground and crashed in a field located in Battle. A crew member on board 42-107592 survived while all 11 other occupants were killed. Crew (394th BG): Lt Thomas Jenkins, Lt Walter Winter, Sgt Boris R. Salinsky, Sgt William C. Hoeb, Sgt Ralph D. Parker, Sgt Edward F Bailey. Source: ASN

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

The aircraft left RAF Boreham at 0505LT with several others airplanes on a mission to France (D-Day). While flying over the county of Kent in low visibility, the bomber collided with another Martin B-26 Marauder of the USAAF. Registered 42-96263, it was also carrying a crew of six. Following the collision, the first B-26 dove into the ground and crashed in an orchard, killing all six crew members. The second B-26 crashed at Corporation Road in Gillingham. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and six houses were destroyed as well. All six crew members and four people on the ground were killed. Crew (394th BG): Lt Witcher Terrell Berger, Lt Warren D. Rodgers, Sgt Edward H. Monaghan, Sgt George S. Knight, Sgt Alfred M. Zussa, Cpl Forrest W. Pafenberg. Civilians who perished in Gillingham: Fanny F. Whittingham, Joan Beatrice Ada Taylor, Percy Montague Williams, George Thomas William Gandon. Source: ASN

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

The aircraft left RAF Boreham at 0505LT with several others airplanes on a mission to France (D-Day). While flying over the county of Kent in low visibility, the bomber collided with another Martin B-26 Marauder of the USAAF. Registered 42-96050, it was also carrying a crew of six. Following the collision, the first B-26 dove into the ground and crashed in an orchard, killing all six crew members. The second B-26 crashed at Corporation Road in Gillingham. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and six houses were destroyed as well. All six crew members and four people on the ground were killed. Crew (394th BG): Lt Claude Wallace Kline Jr, Lt Emil F Ostrowski, Sgt George S. Rogers, Sgt Raymond F. Sablatura, Sgt Joseph Amato. Sgt James F. Bechtler.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

Crashed on take off for unknown reason. Two crew members were killed while five others were injured.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

The crew was engaged in a training mission from the Las Vegas Army Air Field. While cruising in stormy weather, the Martin AT-23A Marauder crashed in a mountainous area located near Craffe, some 15 miles northeast of Van Buren, Arkansas. All seven crew members were killed. Crew: Cpl Harry M. Covert, Lt T. Getson, 2nd Lt William T. Pearson, 2nd Lt Curtis H. Myers, 2nd Lt George M. Stewart, S/S Robert F. Thompson, Sgt Raymond Mascio.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

The crew (two pilots and one instructor) was involved in a training flight. While flying some 4 miles east of Del Rio-Laughlin Field, the twin engine aircraft collided with another Martin B-26 Marauder registered 41-35870. Both aircraft crashed and were destroyed by impact forces and post crash fire. Source: http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=109108

Royal Air Force - RAF

Shortly after take off, while climbing, the twin engine aircraft went out of control and crashed into the sea. Crew fate unknown.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

En route, while cruising in a stormy weather, the aircraft went out of control, dove into the ground and crashed in a field. All eight crew were killed. According to eye-witnesses, the accident occurred while the airplane was flying into adverse weather conditions with thunderstorm activity and turbulence.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

The bomber aircraft left RAF Matching Green for a bombing mission when it was hit by Flak while overflying Pas-de-Calais, France. The aircraft crashed in flames in an open field and was destroyed. All six crew members were killed. Crew: First Lieutenant Frank Bernzen Jr, pilot, Second Lieutenant John D. Hill, copilot, Second Lieutenant Thomas R. Dragonetti, navigator, Technical Sergeant Thaddeus H. Grace, radio, Staff Sergeant Gale F. Brown, engineer, Staff Sergeant John F. La Plante, tail gunner.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

The twin engine bomber registered 42-95925 was carrying a crew of six on behalf of the 344th Bomb Group, 494th Bomb Squadron. While flying over Essex, it collided with another Martin B-26B-50-MA Marauder registered 42-95981 from the same BG and carrying a crew of six as well. The exact circumstances of the collision remains unknown and both aircraft dove into the ground and crashed in an open field located in Theydon Mount. All 12 occupants on both aircraft were killed. Crew: Captain Jack W. Miller, pilot, 2nd Lieutenant Linwood G. Brooks, copilot, 1st Lieutenant James A. Hudson, bombardier, Staff Sergeant Abraham B. Butler Jr, engineer & gunner, Staff Sergeant George D. McMannamy, radio & gunner, Staff Sergeant W. J. Summers, armourer & gunner.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

The twin engine bomber registered 42-95981 was carrying a crew of six on behalf of the 344th Bomb Group, 494th Bomb Squadron. While flying over Essex, it collided with another Martin B-26B-50-MA Marauder registered 42-95925 from the same BG and carrying a crew of six as well. The exact circumstances of the collision remains unknown and both aircraft dove into the ground and crashed in an open field located in Theydon Mount. All 12 occupants on both aircraft were killed. Crew: 1st Lieutenant John K. Eckert, pilot, 2nd Lieutenant Thomas W. Worrell, copilot, 1st Lieutenant George E. Bair, bombardier, Staff Sergeant Alfred R. Border, engineer & gunner, Staff Sergeant Lewis O.Thompson, radio & gunner. Staff Sergeant Edward J. Powell, armourer & gunner.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

The crew was engaged in a bombing mission over the Gilze-Rijen airbase located near Tilburg. After completing this mission, the aircraft left the target area when it was hit by Flak. Four crew members were able to bail out while the captain was killed when the aircraft crashed in a field located in Oosterhout. Crew killed: Charles Vernon Thornton, pilot.

Royal Air Force - RAF

Crew was performing a flight from Italy to Algeria when the aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances into the Mediterranean Sea. Crew fate unknown.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

The crew was engaged in a training exercise in formation with another Martin B-26B Marauder registered 41-32070 and carrying also a crew of seven. In flight, and in unknown circumstances, both aircraft collided. Out of control, they dove into the ground and crashed some 12 miles east of Texarkana. All 14 occupants of both aircraft were killed.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

The crew was engaged in a training exercise in formation with another Martin B-26B Marauder registered 42-43261 and carrying also a crew of seven. In flight, and in unknown circumstances, both aircraft collided. Out of control, they dove into the ground and crashed some 12 miles east of Texarkana. All 14 occupants of both aircraft were killed.

Royal Air Force - RAF

Crashed in unknown circumstances. Crew fate unknown.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

En route, the aircraft went out of control, dove into the ground and crashed in a field located 5 km south of Camden. All eight occupants were killed.

Royal Air Force - RAF

Crashed in unknown circumstances near Accra. Crew fate remains unknown.

Royal Air Force - RAF

While on a maritime patrol flight, the aircraft suffered an engine failure. The crew attempted to ditch the aircraft that crashed into the sea. While the copilot was rescued, all other occupants were killed. Crew: F/O A. M. Cameron, † F/O G. Ingram, † F/Sgt N. B. Williams, † F/Sgt O. V. Proud, † Sgt C. Leslie, † Sgt Ritche.

Royal Air Force - RAF

The crew was engaged in a maritime patrol flight over the Mediterranean Sea when the aircraft was attacked by enemy fire. The captain decided to return to his base in Tunisia but was eventually forced to attempt an emergency landing in Protville. While all occupants were unhurt, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

The crew was involved in a training flight from Dobodura and was scheduled to turn above Cape Killerton. Shortly after take off, the crew shut down one of the engine but most probably due to a magneto failure, was unable to restart it. The captain decided to ditch the aircraft but for unknown reason, landed too far off shore. The aircraft christened 'Reluctant Dragon' sank rapidly by deep water and was lost. Two crew members were killed while three others occupants could swim to the beach. Crew (22nd BG): 1st Lt Carroll C. McGlasson, pilot, 2nd Lt Douglas W. Diggs, copilot, † S/Sgt Clifford F. McClure, crew chief, † S/Sgt Donald G. Murray, radio operator.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

Crashed on take off. Crew fate remains unknown.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

While approaching Salamaua on a bombing mission, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. The captain attempted an emergency landing when the aircraft crash landed and came to rest. A crew member was killed while seven others were injured. Crew (22nd BG): Cpl Willard H. Lindeman. †

Royal Air Force - RAF

En route, the crew was forced to attempt an emergency landing following an engine failure. While all crew members were unhurt, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Royal Air Force - RAF

After touchdown, an undercarriage collapsed. The aircraft skidded, veered off runway and came to rest. All occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Royal Air Force - RAF

Crashed into the sea some 40 km west of Borinquen.

Royal Air Force - RAF

On touchdown, a tyre burst. The aircraft skidded for several yards before coming to rest. While all eight occupants were unhurt, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

Crashed in unknown circumstances near Sarasota-Bradenton Airport. All five crew members were killed.

Royal Air Force - RAF

On landing, an undercarriage collapsed. The aircraft slid on its belly and came to rest. While all eight crew members were uninjured, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

While approaching the Dutch coast on a bombing mission, the aircraft was shot down by the German Flak and crashed into the sea off Castricum. Five crew members were killed while the sixth occupant was rescued and taken PoW. Crew (450th BS): Lt Joseph H. Jones,† 2nd Lt Anthony A. Alaimo, 2nd Lt Norris K. Calkins, † Sgt Marvin L. Harbour, † T/Sgt Robert Steffen, † S/Sgt Milton E. Littrell. †

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

While approaching the Dutch coast on a bombing mission, the twin engine aircraft was shot down by the German Flak and crashed into the sea 5 miles off Ijmuiden. Five crew members were killed while the sixth occupant was rescued and taken PoW. Crew (452nd BS): 2nd Lt Edward R. Norton, 2nd Lt James A. Norton, Lt Alvin X. Zeindenfeld, S/Sgt Ralph H. McDougall, S/Sgt Harrison E. Kegg, Sgt Bennett W. Longworth.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

While approaching the Dutch coast, the aircraft was shot down by the German Flak and crashed into the sea, two miles west of Ijmuiden. A crew member was killed while five others were rescued. Crew (322nd BG/450th BS): Lt Col William R. Purinton, 2nd Lt William H. Kinney, Lt Edward F. Jefferis Jr., † S/Sgt Jean J. Duhamel, S/Sgt Robert J. Gunther, Sgt Lester F. Miller.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

The aircraft was hit by debris from the mid-air collision between both Marauder 41-17991 and 41-18080. The captain attempted an emergency landing in a field and the aircraft came to rest near Bodegraven. While the aircraft was damaged beyond repair, all six crew members were taken PoW. Crew (452nd BS): Lt David V. Wurst, 2nd Lt Robert L. Starr, 2nd Lt A. E. Speer, Cpl George Heski, S/Sgt Robert J. Dempsey, Sgt Reginald Foster.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

While flying west of Utrecht, the aircraft collided with another USAAF B-26B Marauder registered 41-17991 and carrying a crew of six as well. Both aircraft went out of control and crashed in a field located in Bodegraven, west of Utrecht. Two crew survived in each aircraft while all eight other occupants were killed. Crew (452nd BS): Cpt William Converse, † 2nd Lt Berton H. Ramsey, † Lt Arthur E. Garni, † T/Sgt James D. Thompson, Sgt Kenneth H. VonLindern, † Sgt Frank Lamonica.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

While approaching Rotterdam from the west, on a bombing mission, the aircraft was shot down by the German Flak and crashed in the Maas River located in Maassluis. Two crew members were killed while four others were taken PoW. Crew (450th BS): Lt Vincent S. Garrambone, 2nd Lt Leonard S. Lang, 2nd Lt James R. Hoel, Sgt John L. Stefanowicz, † Sgt John Logan, Sgt Melvin O. Cage. †