Consolidated B-24 Liberator accident at Taylor Canyon, United States of America, 19 Jul 1943 (41-29027)
On July 19, 1943, a Consolidated B-24 Liberator (registration 41-29027) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Taylor Canyon, United States of America in flight. 11 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The right horizontal stabilizer failed in flight, folded over and struck the left horizontal stabilizer, causing the airplane to enter an uncontrolled descent. 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
The right horizontal stabilizer failed in flight, folded over and struck the left horizontal stabilizer, causing the airplane to enter an uncontrolled descent.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The airplane suffered a structural failure in flight and crashed in Taylor Canyon, about 24 km northeast of Gunnison. All 11 crew members were killed. Crew: Maj Robert C. Quine, 2nd Lt James A. Allen, 2nd Lt William M. Statler, 2nd Lt Billy B. Thompson, 2nd Lt Sherod D. Derryberry Jr., S/Sgt James W. Beazley, S/Sgt Romeo P. Berube, S/Sgt James F. Emerich, S/Sgt Rocci A. Greco, S/Sgt Richard E. Schaefer, S/Sgt Richard D. Yost.
Probable cause (official findings): The right horizontal stabilizer failed in flight, folded over and struck the left horizontal stabilizer, causing the airplane to enter an uncontrolled descent.