Incident Overview
Date: Saturday 24 March 1945
Aircraft Type: Douglas C-47A-15-DK (DC-3)
Owner/operator: United States Army Air Force – USAAF
Registration Number: 42-92881
Location: 1 km NE of Wesel –
ÿ Germany
Phase of Flight: En route
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 5
Component Affected: C-47 transport planeC-47 transport plane
Category: Accident
A C-47 transport plane was struck by flak and small arms fire during a glider tow mission in the Rhein crossing (Operation Varsity). The aircraft descended in flames and crashed, resulting in the deaths of both occupants.A C-47 transport plane was struck by flak and small arms fire during a glider tow mission in the Rhein crossing (Operation Varsity). The aircraft descended in flames and crashed, resulting in the deaths of both occupants.
Description
The C-47 transport plane was hit by flak and small arms fire during Rhein crossing (Operation Varsity). It operated on a glider tow mission. Both gliders detached and the airplane descended in flames and crashed. Two occupants bailed out.
Primary Cause
Flak and small arms fire during a glider tow mission.Flak and small arms fire during a glider tow mission.Share on:
