Consolidated B-24 Liberator accident at United States of America, 29 Dec 1943 (42-7183)
On December 29, 1943, a Consolidated B-24 Liberator (registration 42-7183) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near United States of America in flight. 12 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: According to officials, the pilot of the aircraft registered 42-7183 bears full responsibility for this tragedy because he did not comply with basic rules of discipline during a training flight. 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
According to officials, the pilot of the aircraft registered 42-7183 bears full responsibility for this tragedy because he did not comply with basic rules of discipline during a training flight. However, investigators point out that the massive presence of ice in the region remains a contributing factor to the accident in the sense that aircraft performances were reduced.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
A formation of five Consolidated B-24E Liberator was on its way from Wendover AFB to Pocatello, Idaho. While cruising at an altitude of 11,100 feet, the Liberator registered 42-7183 that was on third position was left behind so its captain increased power to regain its position in the formation. Doing so, the tail of the 42-7183 hit the left wing of 42-7408. On impact, the number one engine of 42-7408 was sheared off and both aircraft went out of control, dove into the ground and crashed in a huge explosion. All 25 occupants on both aircraft were killed. Crew: Sgt Saul Becker, Pvt Lloyd E. Fowler, 2nd Lt Ray W. Gambol, Cpl Lawrence A. Griffin, Sgt Clyde Hewitt, 2nd Lt James H. Hutcheson, 2nd Lt Paul J. Kohler, 2nd Lt William D. Lieber, 2nd Lt Lawrence G. McGinnis, 2nd Lt Carroll Edward Meyer, 2nd Lt John H. Moffett, 2nd Lt Richard Settineri.
Probable cause (official findings): According to officials, the pilot of the aircraft registered 42-7183 bears full responsibility for this tragedy because he did not comply with basic rules of discipline during a training flight. However, investigators point out that the massive presence of ice in the region remains a contributing factor to the accident in the sense that aircraft performances were reduced.