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416th Bombardment Group (L) Aircraft Accident Report 45-7-11-521 July 11, 1944, Tuesday
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416th Bombardment Group (L) Aircraft Accident Report 45-7-11-521 July 11, 1944, Tuesday
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(Note: Depending on Internet speed, this report may take some time to download and display.) (AAR images from AAIR - Aviation Archaeological Investigation and Research.) Aircraft Serial Number (Type): 43-9189 (Douglas A-20G-25-DO Havoc) 9th AF; 416th Bomb Gp; 669th Bomb Sq Reason: Crash Landing (CRL) Damage: Completely destroyed (5) Point Of Departure: AAF-170 Wethersfield RAF Station, England Location: Parkhold Farm, Gosfield, Essex
Notes: Nature of Accident: Plane crash landed in field after striking tree tops. Cause of Accident: Attempted off-airdrome crash landing following left engine failure. Description: We lost two combat crew members. One, Lt Walter L Pentilla, of the 669th Bomb Sq (L), was killed on the 11th, while flying on a routine formation training mission. At 1,000 feet, one engine cut out on him. The plane dove into the ground. He died while being taken to the hospital. He was buried at the Cambridge American Military Cemetery, Cambridge, England. (416th BG History 1944) Once again misfortune tagged at our heels. On the 11th, while flying in a routine formation training flight, Lt. Walter L. Pentilla was killed. At 1,000 feet, one engine cut out. The plane dove into the ground. He died while being taken to the Hospital. Although he had been with the Squadron only a short time, those of us who had met him soon learned to like the stocky, blond-headed Pilot. He was our only loss during the month. ("669th Bombardment Squadron (L) History") |
