Consolidated B-24 Liberator accident at Lebanon, United States of America, 6 Jan 1943 (41-24202)
On January 6, 1943, a Consolidated B-24 Liberator (registration 41-24202) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Lebanon, United States of America in flight. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the entire tail section including horizontal stabilizers, elevators, vertical fin and rudders separated from the airplane in flight. Investigations were unable to determine the cause of this in-flight separation. 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 entire tail section including horizontal stabilizers, elevators, vertical fin and rudders separated from the airplane in flight. Investigations were unable to determine the cause of this in-flight separation. Abnormal vibrations could be a factor.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The airplane departed Orlando AAF on a flight to Salina, Kansas, with an intermediate stop in Galveston, Texas. While in cruising altitude, it suffered a catastrophic structural failure of the tail that detached. Out of control, the airplane dove into the ground and crashed near Lebanon, about 24 km southwest of Madill, Oklahoma. The airplane was totally destroyed and all 10 crew members were killed. The tail was found about 400 yards from the main wreckage. Crew: 2nd Lt Russell Graham Bishop Jr., pilot, 2nd Lt John F. Howell, copilot, S/Sgt Albert L. Baima, flight engineer, Pvt Jack Bagget, assistant flight engineer, 2nd Lt Robert B. Secord, navigator, T/Sgt Ray E. Blazer, radio operator, S/Sgt Stanley J. Jaros, assistant radio operator, 2nd Lt James H. Dyer, bombardier, S/Sgt Kelsey C. Horning, air gunner, 2nd Lt S. Lipsman.
Probable cause (official findings): It was determined that the entire tail section including horizontal stabilizers, elevators, vertical fin and rudders separated from the airplane in flight. Investigations were unable to determine the cause of this in-flight separation. Abnormal vibrations could be a factor.