What happened
During a cruise phase at an altitude of 7,000 feet in the vicinity of Boise-Gowen Field, the subject aircraft collided mid-air with a second United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) B-17. The other aircraft, registered as 41-2603, was also operating in the area. Following the impact, the subject airplane lost control and entered an uncontrolled dive. It subsequently crashed on the ground in Kuna, located southwest of the airport.
The collision resulted in the deaths of ten crew members. One individual managed to bail out from the aircraft but sustained serious injuries. The second aircraft involved, 41-2603, was able to land safely at Gowen Field after the incident.
Findings
Investigation into the event determined that the pilot of the other aircraft, 41-2603, observed the subject airplane approaching in a near head-on direction. In response, the pilot attempted a rapid pull-up maneuver. Despite this action, the cockpit of the subject aircraft struck the tail wheel area of 41-2603. The force of the impact likely caused severe injury or immediate death to the pilots of the subject aircraft, rendering the plane uncontrollable and leading to the crash.