Incident Overview
Date: Saturday 24 March 1945
Aircraft Type: Douglas C-47A-85-DL (DC-3)
Owner/operator: United States Army Air Force – USAAF
Registration Number: 43-15493
Location: NE of Wesel –
ÿ Germany
Phase of Flight: En route
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 4 / Occupants: 5
Component Affected: Aircraft structure (specifically, the right wing and fuselage near the navigator’s station).Aircraft structure (specifically, the right wing and fuselage near the navigator’s station).
A Rhein crossing aircraft was struck by flak while towing a glider. The aircraft suffered damage to the right wing, near the navigator’s station, and in the centre of the aircraft. Two gliders were released, resulting in a crash. One crew member successfully bailed out.A Rhein crossing aircraft was struck by flak while towing a glider. The aircraft suffered damage to the right wing, near the navigator’s station, and in the centre of the aircraft. Two gliders were released, resulting in a crash. One crew member successfully bailed out.
Description
The aircraft was hit by flak while towing a glider as part of the Rhein crossing (Operation Varsity). The aircraft was first hit in the right wing behind the engine and subsequently near the navigator’s station and in the centre of the aircraft. The two gliders (CG-4A’s 43-39755 and 43-27466) were released and the aircraft crashed. One of the crew members was able to bail out.
Source of Information
https://www.facebook.com/437thTCG/posts/352137164984039https://www.facebook.com/437thTCG/posts/352137164984039Primary Cause
Flak impact during towing of a glider as part of the Rhein crossing.Flak impact during towing of a glider as part of the Rhein crossing.Share on:
