41-24019

Safety history

• January 22, 1943AccidentHull loss

  Following a maritime patrol flight (antisubmarine mission), the airplane was returning to base at RAF Chivenor when the crew encountered poor weather conditions with limited visibility. The crew contacted ATC to obtain assistance but the frequency used was not the correct one. Approaching the coast at a very low altitude, the airplane collided with the shoreline cliff located about 3 km east of Hartland Point. The airplane disintegrated on impact and all 10 crew members were killed. Crew: 2nd Lt

  Consolidated B-24 Liberator · 10 fatalities

  In the judgment of the American Unit, this loss was quite unnecessary, and could have been avoided either by the pilot who had adequate fuel, remaining off the coast until he was able to get ground assistance, or "if he was going on instruments, to proceed to do so at a safe altitude," or by "the exercise of better judgment by the officer in charge of the… Full accident record