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416th Bombardment Group (L) Reports AAR 45-3-21-517 / MACR 15911 March 21, 1945, Wednesday
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416th Bombardment Group (L) Reports AAR 45-3-21-517 / MACR 15911 March 21, 1945, Wednesday
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(Note: Depending on Internet speed, this report may take some time to download and display.) (AAR images from the AFHRA - Air Force Historical Research Agency MACR images downloaded from Fold3.) Aircraft Serial Number (Type): 43-22523 (Douglas A-26C-20-DT Invader) 9th AF; 416th Bomb Gp; 668th Bomb Sq Mission # 246; Box: I; Flight: 2; Position: 1; A/C Fuselage Code: 5H-N Reason: Mid Air Collision (KMAC) Damage: Completely destroyed (4) Point Of Departure: A-69 Laon/Athies, France Location: 4 miles NW Neerpelt, Belgium (E-350990)
Notes: Pilot's Mission: Combat Nature of Accident: Mid air collision Cause of Accident: Pilot error, restricted visibility, and other personnel error. Description: Coming back over friendly territory about 25 miles northeast of St. Trond, Captain Andersen, leading the second flight of the first box, was attempting to regain his position in the first box. He slid his plane over the plane flown by Captain Rooney and chewed off its tail. The two planes collided in mid-air and fell to the ground and burned. Lt Kirk, B-N in Capt Rooney's plane, bailed out safely with only minor injuries. All the others were killed in the crash, which happened without warning. Captain Rooney was completing his 65th mission when the accident occurred. The reason for the crash is unknown. Flying with Captain Andersen were Lt W. Babbage, Lt. L.J. Roman, and S/Sgt S.L. Heitell. Captain Rooney had Capt C.C. Slaughter of the Infantry and Sgt. R.J. Kamischke flying with him. (416th BG History 1945) See Mission # 246 for additional details |