ZOI Loss of B-26, 41-17597
 

Hello,

Seeking confirmation of a ZOI loss on 16th July 1942 of a 319th Bomb Group, 437th Bomb Squadron B-26, serial number 41-17597 that crashed some 2 miles south of Barksdale Field, Louisiana

Details of loss are I believe that the tail unit broke away ?

I understand that the single death was a Master Sgt. Harold J. Courtney ?

Can it be confirmed that the other crew were -
P. Lipscomb, Raymond N ( or perhaps C ?).
CP. Soniat, Edwin J.
Camp, Harris J.
Ebeling, Richard D.
Allen, Joel ( Civilian).
Albert, Lawrence ( Civilian).

Many thanks
Alex

Re: ZOI Loss of B-26, 41-17597
 

Here is what is described in the book "Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation Accidents in the United States, 1941-1945. Volume 1, January 1941-June 1943", by Anthony J. Mireles (ISBN 0-7864-2788-4) about this accident:

"7-16-42F [meaning it was the sixth fatal accident described in the book for this date (and the last by the way)]
Barksdale Field, Louisiana
At 1600, a Martin B-26B crashed into a pecan tree grove while attempting to take-off from Barksdale Field, Shreveport, Louisiana, killing one flier and lightly injuring six others. Investigation revealed that the starboard engien was not producing full power on the take-off because of a carburetor problem. The aircraft never gained more than 25 feet of altitude before descending into the pecan tree grove. The aircraft broke apart and MSgt. Harold J. Courtney, 37, Indianapolis, was killed. The other crewmembers were able to escape the wreckage before the aircraft burst into flames. Lightly injured in the accident were: 1st Lt Raymond N Lipscomb, pilot; 2nd Lt Edwin J. Soniat, copilot; TSgt Harris K Camp, engineer; 2nd Lt Richard D Ebeling, passenger; Joel Allen, civilian passenger; Lawrence Albert, civilian passenger. Investigation stated that the pilot recognizing the loss of engine powere and aborting the take-off would have prevented the accident. The pilot stated that the airplane began pulling to the right and he initially thought the rudder was out of trim."

Serial and unit confirmed by http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/s...y/Jul1942S.htm

Re: ZOI Loss of B-26, 41-17597
 

Hello Laurent,

Many thanks for the confirmation.
Also for the detailed account from Anthony J. Mireles book.
Most welcome.

Reason was because the actual Group Diaries
has "Courtnay" so a miss-spelling way back. There is only one "Courtnay" that I could find a "Robert A." while "Courtney" Harold J is recorded as DNB.

Again many thanks.
Alex

Re: ZOI Loss of B-26, 41-17597
 

Hello Laurent,

Am sending you a PM

Alex