Incident Overview
Date: Wednesday 27 December 1944
Aircraft Type: Douglas C-47A-75-DL (DC-3)
Owner/operator: United States Army Air Force – USAAF
Registration Number: 42-100916
Location: 5 km from Bastogne –
ÿ Belgium
Phase of Flight: En route
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 4
Component Affected: FuselageFuselage
A C-47 aircraft was shot down during a glider tow mission after dropping a glider. An explosive shell struck the aircraft, causing a fire and penetrating the fuselage, resulting in a crew member’s escape and subsequent crash.A C-47 aircraft was shot down during a glider tow mission after dropping a glider. An explosive shell struck the aircraft, causing a fire and penetrating the fuselage, resulting in a crew member’s escape and subsequent crash.
Description
Shot down during glider tow mission. The C-47 was returning after dropping the glider when it was struck by an explosive shell. The shell exploded in the fire extinguisher box between the pilot and co-pilot. Bullets then pierced the fuselage behind the pilot and a fire had erupted. One crew member bailed out safely before it crashed in flames.
Primary Cause
Explosive shell impactExplosive shell impactShare on:
