Accident and Missing Air Crew Reports

574th BOMB SQUADRON

ROLE: NAVIGATOR

INDIVIDUAL & NON-INDIVIDUAL CREW MEMBERS; & WITNESSES

Sources: AAIR, USAAFDATA, MACR, WWII AAF Casualty List, NARA (see resources page).


Assigned
Squadron Crew Year Month Role Name Rank Serial Status
574574101435NOlshak, Raymond F.1/Lt.O660389
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-31751. 14 May 1943
NOTES: Landing accident at MacDill Field, FL.
The pilot made a normal approach and lowered his landing gear at 1500 feet at an indicated airspeed of 160 MPH. The pilot flew the ship on in and made a normal landing on runway nine. As the ship rolled down the runway and its speed decreased the left gear gave way allowing the left prop to dig into the concrete runway. The increased weight and strain also caused the right gear to fold but the ship had lost its speed and was stopped on the left nacelle doors and belly before the right prop struck the ground.
Investigation brought out the fact the gear mechanisms were functioning normally and hydraulic pressure was normal. The co-pilot dropped the gear and witnesses felt the increased drag as the gear came down. However, the co-pilot and engineer were not certain the gear was down, and locked. They both checked the indicator but were not satisified due to poor visibility. The co-pilot asked the pilot to check the gear indicator but since he was busy landing the ship he didn't check it carefully. The result being the gear was not down and locked which caused the accident. Both the pilot and co-pilot should assume the responsibility of this accident as neither of them made certain the indicator said "wheels down and locked".
Recommendations : That pilot and co-pilot ascertain definitely if gear is down and locked before landing this model of B-26. Also it is my opinion and recommendation some warning signal should be installed on this model to further assist the pilots in ascertaining whether or not the airplane is ready to land.
574574142456NPearl, Paul1/Lt.O800758
574574142456GAylor, Albert S.Sgt.18190338
SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-22598. 13 Jun 1945
NOTES:

Ground collision 5 miles West of Neurenburg, Germany.

On 13 June 1945, Captain Dorsey L. Martin, was flying an A-26C25 type aircraft AAF #43-22598 on a low altitude navigation mission.

After entering the authorized low level area, Captain Martin dropped to tree-top level. Shortly thereafter when the pilot attempted to pull up over an exceptionally tall tree the plane mushed, causing the plexiglass to be broken by the top branches of the tree. The plane was flown back to base and landed without further mishap.

Immediate Cause: Lower half of plexiglass nose was broken by contact with tree.

Underlying Cause: Poor judgement on the part of the pilot in allowing his plane to get close enough to the tree so that excessive control had to be used in an attempt to clear the top branches.

Responsibility: 100% Pilot error. (Judgement)

Recommendations: None.

574574129447NSaathoff, Wilbert L.1/Lt.O748106
SOURCE: Accident Report, 42-95931. 27 Jan 1945
NOTES: Landing accident at Roye/A-73. On 27th of January 1945, 1st Lieutenant Richard B. Spangler was flying a B-26B50 aircraft, AF number 42-95931, on a local training mission for the purpose of formation practice. Aircraft was loaded with 2 x 2000 lb GP bombs. Upon completing his mission, Lieutenant Spangler returned to base and made a normal landing on runway 100, touching down in the first quarter of the runway and slightly right of centre. Approximately 200 yards beyond the touchdown point, the plane ran off the right side of the runway, going through a deep bank of snow at the runway edge. Impact with this snow bank tore off the right main gear and the nose gear. The plane continued sliding for about 50 yards, collapsing the left main gear and turning through almost 180 degrees. Aircraft is total loss as result of this accident. Examination of tire tracks indicates that accident was due to deflated right main wheel tire. Track made by right tire was almost twice as wide as that made by normally inflated tire. tire was found to be deflated immediately after accident, with no apparent break in casing. Subsequent inspection revealed valve stem to be sheared in two within the casing. Calls: 100% material failure. Plane landed with deflated right main wheel tire, causing aircraft to leave runway. Recommendations: None.
574574140456GGreen, Everett M.S/Sgt.33647600
SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-22598. 9 Jun 1945
NOTES: Taxiing accident at Vitry-en-Artois (B-50).

On 9 June 1945, 1st Lt Edward F. Murphy was taxiing an A-26C25 AAF #43-22598 aircraft back to its hardstand after a routine training flight. After entering the parking area Lt Murphy attempted to turn the aircraft around. While so doing, his right propeller came close enough to a canvas cover at the edge of the parking area to blow it back and consequently drag a tool box into the path of the propeller. The tips of the three blades were bent slightly necessitating replacement of the propeller.

Immediate Cause: Right propeller struck crew chief's tool box.

Underlying Cause: Poor judgement on the part of the pilot, first, in not allowing sufficient clearance to turn his plane around in, and secondly, in not waiting until a ground crew member arrived to direct his taxiing.

Responsibility: 100% Pilot error.

Recommendations: None.

575575117431NWilliams, Edgar G.Capt.O791015EVA
SOURCE: MACR 06649, 42-95821. 8 Jul 1944
NOTES: Target: Nantes RR Bridge, France. Stalnaker was leading the first box. During the bomb run the formation encountered heavy and accurate FLAK. Stalnaker was hit in both engines and his right engine started smoking. He continued the bomb run even though he was losing altitude. After the formation had dropped its bombs, he broke left and feathered his right engine. Mitchell flying in No.2 position took over the lead and called Stalnaker (who seemed calm) to say he was trying to get him fighter escort. Witnesses in the second box saw Stalnaker's aircraft flying alongside for a while until it stalled and crashed 5 mile NW of Chateaubriant. All crew bailed out and survived. The report seems to show that only Alexander was captured and the rest returned to duty.