A restored WW2 B-17, the "Liberty Belle", caught fire while in flight and was forced to crash land in a cornfield near Aurora, Illinois, on Monday, June 13. There were seven people on board but no on was seriously injured. From the films I saw, the aircraft was a complete loss. I think it was one of about a dozen B-17's still flying and it was used to tour and sell rides at $430 per. Was owned by the Liberty Foundation out of Miami. -- Al
B-17 crashes (1 Viewer)
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theBaron
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Yes, it was a shame, and thank the Lord no one was hurt!
I think "Liberty Belle" was at the MAAM WWII Weekend a couple of years ago, but she wasn't there this year.
From the photos, it looks like some parts might be salvaged--al four engine nacelles looked intact, for example, but the center section of the aircraft, from her "shoulders" just aft of the upper turret, at the leading edge of the wing, aft to the waist gunners' station, was completely burnt away. Makes me think they may have had a fuel tank installed in the bomb bay, and that burned off.
She was originally stricken at war's end for scrapping, but Pratt & Whitney bought her back from the AAF, for use as a test bed for turboprop engines. She was a firebomber at one point in her career, too, if I am not mistaken.
Prost!
Brad
I think "Liberty Belle" was at the MAAM WWII Weekend a couple of years ago, but she wasn't there this year.
From the photos, it looks like some parts might be salvaged--al four engine nacelles looked intact, for example, but the center section of the aircraft, from her "shoulders" just aft of the upper turret, at the leading edge of the wing, aft to the waist gunners' station, was completely burnt away. Makes me think they may have had a fuel tank installed in the bomb bay, and that burned off.
She was originally stricken at war's end for scrapping, but Pratt & Whitney bought her back from the AAF, for use as a test bed for turboprop engines. She was a firebomber at one point in her career, too, if I am not mistaken.
Prost!
Brad
Scott
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Hope the passengers will be OK. I had the change to ride a B-17 in Beverly, Mass a couple years ago but not the $$$ for ticket. I did get up close though. Cool to see it fly over my house which is not far from Beverly.
Beaufighter
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Cheers Forum Squadron Members,
The B-17 "LIBERTY BELLE," a WWII combat veteran of numerous missions over Germany made an emergency landing in a corn field shortly after take-off from Aurora, IL airport on Monday with an on-board fire. All seven aboard escaped without injury, however the Boeing B-17G burned and was destroyed. Click below and see the story and photos that will break any "Warbird" lover's heart.
I have attached a photo of Mike Walton a retired Delta Capt who is a member of the Liberty Foundation and one of the pilots that flew "Liberty Belle". Mike is also a member/hangar owner/past Board President at Carefree SkyRanch, AZ-just down the way from me. I know he must be sadden by the loss of this historic "Flying Fortress."
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ing-Fortress-crashes-seven-people-aboard.html
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PanzerAce1944
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Pure shame losing another historic aircraft. :redface2:
From the films and pictures, it is evident that the aircraft made a good wheels down landing in a flat corn field. No one had to jump. The fire got out of control and burned up the craft because firefighters were unable to get to the sight fast enough due to wet fields/approaches. Don't know if the reported injuries were fire/smoke related or rough landing related. -- Al