AAR 44-4-24-513

416th Bombardment Group (L)

Aircraft Accident Report 44-4-24-513

April 24, 1944, Monday

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(AAR images from AAIR - Aviation Archaeological Investigation and Research.)

Aircraft Serial Number (Type): 43-9941 (Douglas A-20G-35-DO Havoc)

9th AF; 416th Bomb Gp; 669th Bomb Sq

Mission # Recalled

Reason: Killed In A Crash (KCR)

Damage: Completely destroyed (5)

Point Of Departure: AAF-170 Wethersfield RAF Station, England

Location: 1/2 Mile SW of Erith [England]

*Personnel*
Duty	Name	Rank	S/N	Status
Pilot	McDonald, Arthur Allen	2Lt	O-806285	Fatal
Airplane Mechanic - Gunner	Barnard, Leroy NMI	S/Sgt	6391061	Fatal
Airplane Mechanic - Gunner	Shields, Joseph John	S/Sgt	13099665	Fatal

Notes:
Nature of Accident: "Pilot crashed after attempting to ascend through an overcast." Cause of Accident: "Unknown."

Description:
While going through the overcast 2nd Lt. Arthur A. McDonald, lost control of his plane for some reason unknown. In the dive he lost a wing. He did manage to pull the plane out of the dive, and before he hit the ground, he maneuvered his plane in a last heroic effort to avoid crashing in the midst of a crowded city district. The plane struck in the only open area in the vicinity, exploding when the bombs hit the ground. The crew, Lt. MacDonald, S/Sgt. Leroy (NMI) Barnard, and S/Sgt. Joseph J. Shields, were killed. Their remains have been interred in the American Military Cemetery at Cambridge, England.
(416th BG History 1944)