Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress accident at Kuna, United States of America, 15 Jan 1943 (41-9181)
On January 15, 1943, a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress (registration 41-9181) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Kuna, United States of America in flight. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the pilot of 41-2603 spotted the other airplane flying towards him in a near head-on direction and attempted a rapid pull up, but 41-9181's cockpit collided with 41-2603's tail wheel area and the pilots were likely severely injured or… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
It was determined that the pilot of 41-2603 spotted the other airplane flying towards him in a near head-on direction and attempted a rapid pull up, but 41-9181's cockpit collided with 41-2603's tail wheel area and the pilots were likely severely injured or outright killed by the impact, causing the airplane to be out of control.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
While cruising in the vicinity of Boise-Gowen Field at an altitude of 7,000 feet, the airplane collided with a second USAAF B-17 registered 41-2603. Out of control, it entered a dive and crashed in Kuna, southwest of the airport. Ten crew members were killed and one bailed out and was seriously injured. 41-2603 landed safely at Gowen Field. Crew: 2nd Lt Paul C. Painter, pilot, 2nd Lt William W. Reed Jr., copilot, S/Sgt Rollen H. Eubank, flight engineer, Sgt Pasquale P. Patri, assistant flight engineer, 2nd Lt Raymond A. Hay, navigator, S/Sgt William J. Griffiths, radio operator, S/Sgt Raymond A. Etherton Jr, assistant radio operator, 2nd Lt Howard H. Norton Jr, bombardier, Sgt Christian F. Weinhold, assistant radio operator, Sgt Arthur P. Mayer, air gunner.
Probable cause (official findings): It was determined that the pilot of 41-2603 spotted the other airplane flying towards him in a near head-on direction and attempted a rapid pull up, but 41-9181's cockpit collided with 41-2603's tail wheel area and the pilots were likely severely injured or outright killed by the impact, causing the airplane to be out of control.