Alex, the MACR does say the pilot was "Flathers". George W Flathers was a pilot in the 301st BG, 419th BS. There is a photo of Flathers with B-17 42-31182 "The Mighty Rabbit" here:
http://www.301bg.com/b-17_42-31182.cfm
Implication from the photo seems to be it was "his" ship.
So, perhaps that was the plane. (A tentative ID at best).