Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy Saunders
Hot on the heels of the query about bale-out procedures for the B-24 can anyone tell me the procedure for the B-26?
Was it via the bomb bay for crew?
And why does a n accident report talk about the pilot 'lowering the nose-wheel' before jumping himself?
I'm afraid that USAAF aircraft are not a speciality for me!
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Good morning Andy !
There were three emergency exits in flight at a B-26:
- bombardier, pilot and co-pilot (forward compartment) through the nose wheel well entrance hatch after the nose gear had been extended.
- radio operator and navigator through the forward bomb-bay doors, which must had been opened in the bombardier's compartment or the pilot's compartment.
- the rest of the crew in the aft copartment could bail out through the waist-gun hatches or the aft bomb-bay doors after they were opened for this emergency escape in flight.
It was strictly prohibited, to leave the plane by upper hatches in flight.
When you study the MACR's for the B-26 losses on December 23rd 1944, you'll meet in the accounts of the surviving crewmen all variations of the described escape procedures.
Best regards !
Horst Weber