Site last updated 1st February 2012
Peak District Air Accident Research

Peak District Air Accident Research

 Peak District Air Accident Research

 

B-17G 42-97286 of the 560th Bombardment Squadron, 388th Bombardment Group flew into the eastern face of Beinn Nuis on Arran on the 10th December 1944 while on a  flight form Knettishall to Prestwick. The aircraft crashed close to B-24 42-41030 and C-60 42-56014.

 

Crew / Passengers Rank - If Applicable Position e.g. Pilot Status
John N. Littlejohn Captain Pilot Killed
Robert N. Stoaks 2nd Lieutenant Co-pilot Killed 
William J. Frey 2nd Lieutenant Navigator Killed
Richard W. Rosebasky 1st Lieutenant Navigator Killed
Leonard W. Bond 2nd Lieutenant Bomb Aimer Killed
Joseph A. Payne Corporal Engineer Killed
Albert E. Thomas Corporal Radio Operator Killed
James R. Bell Major Passenger Killed
Jack D. Merkley 2nd Lieutenant   Passenger Killed
Charles S. Brown Master Sergeant Passenger Killed
Wade D. Kriner Staff Sergeant Passenger Killed

In the crash report there are three versions of the crew list which contradict each other so the above may not be entirely correct.

 

Engine parts at the crash site of B-17G 42-97286 on Beinn Nuis

The photo above shows part of one the aircrafts engines (centre), an ammunition container (left) and an oxygen bottle (right). 

 

Partly buried mainspar from B-17G 42-97286 at the crash site on Beinn Nuis

This photo shows where part of the main spar was cut up and buried after the crash, both ends of the spar can be seen above the surface.

 

Pieces of wreckage below the crash site on Beinn Nuis

This photo shows one of the many collections of wreckage in the rocks below the crash site.

 

Part of one of the main undercarriage assemblies at the crash site on Beinn Nuis, Isle of Arran

Also in the rocks below the crash site is the lower portion of one of the main undercarriage oleos with the wheel still attached.

 

Five of those onboard were buried at Cambridge American Cemetery, below are photographs of their graves.

 

Grave of co-pilot, 2nd Lieutenant Robert N. Stoaks at the Cambridge American Military Cemtery

2nd Lieutenant Robert N. Stoaks, Co-pilot.

 

Grave of Navigator, 2nd Lieutenant William V. Frey, at the Cambridge American Military Cemetery

       2nd Lieutenant William V. Frey, Navigator    

 

Grave of Engineer, Corporal Joseph A. Payne at Cambridge American Military Cemetery

Corporal Joseph A. Payne, Engineer

 

Grave at Major James R. Bell at Cambridge American Military Cemetery

 Major James R. Bell, Passenger.

 

Grave of Master Sergeant Charles S. Brown, at Cambridge American Military Cemetery

Master Sergeant Charles S. Brown, Passenger.

 

Grave of Staff Sergeant Wade D. Kriner at the Cambriadge American Military Cemetery

Staff Sergeant Wade D. Kriner, Passenger.

 

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