Incident Overview
Date: Saturday 24 March 1945
Aircraft Type: Douglas C-47A-80-DL (DC-3)
Owner/operator: United States Army Air Force – USAAF
Registration Number: 43-15618
Location: NE of Wesel –
ÿ Germany
Phase of Flight: En route
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 5
Component Affected: Aircraft (specifically, the twin-engine aircraft and the towing system).Aircraft (specifically, the twin-engine aircraft and the towing system).
Category: Accident
A twin-engine aircraft, towing two horses, was shot down during the Rhein crossing operation (Operation Varsity). The aircraft released its gliders before descending into the ground. All four occupants escaped safely.A twin-engine aircraft, towing two horses, was shot down during the Rhein crossing operation (Operation Varsity). The aircraft released its gliders before descending into the ground. All four occupants escaped safely.
Description
Shot down during Rhein crossing (Operation Varsity). The airplane was towing two Horsas to Wesel, Germany. The gliders were released before the airplane dived into ground. Four occupants bailed out safely.
Primary Cause
Unknown ? Possible mechanical failure during the crossing.Unknown ? Possible mechanical failure during the crossing.Share on:
