As the Collings Foundation’s crippled B-17, N93012, was approaching Runway 6 at Bradley Windsor Locks, Connecticut, a few weeks ago, the crew was already desperately pressed for altitude to try and align the World War II bomber with the runway for landing. Shortly after takeoff from Runway 6 just minutes before, the airplane never climbed above 500 feet agl before it began a return to the field with a mechanical problem reported in the number four engine. By the time the airplane was on downwind, its altitude had dropped to 300 feet. During the turn from base to final, the Boeing continued losing altitude, eventually striking the airport approach lights 1,000 feet short of the hard surface before it veered right and struck a number of vehicles, as well as a deicing fluid tank sitting 1,100 feet right of the runway threshold.
NTSB Offers Preliminary Information on B-17 Accident at Bradley
Key Takeaways:
- A Collings Foundation B-17 crashed during an emergency return-to-field at Bradley Windsor Locks, CT, after experiencing a mechanical problem in engine #4 shortly after takeoff, failing to maintain altitude and striking obstacles short of the runway.
- The accident resulted in 7 fatalities, including both pilots and five passengers, along with multiple injuries, and the aircraft was largely consumed by post-impact fire.
- Preliminary NTSB findings indicated the aircraft was well-maintained and fuel was not contaminated; the crew attempted to land with landing gear down and flaps up after declining ATC assistance.
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