[Dan O'Connell]

Andreas brings up some very good points, and reminds us of how difficult researching these matters can be.
Here is the information I had about 170090:


170090 Call sign KP+OR. Me 262 A-2a. Delivered to I./KG 51 on 16 September 1944. The Technical Officer, Lt. Batel, noted a number of defects in the aircraft as delivered from the factory, typical of the problems of quality control in the German aircraft industry by this time. Among other issues, the canopy could not be locked from the inside, unless two men pushed down on it from the outside. The right rudder pedal was sticking, and the wheel covers did not fit. Fuel tank seals were already corroded and leaking, and the compass was incorrect by 20 degrees. All of these situations were corrected by Gruppen personnel. It was flown by Obfw. Otto Zeppenfeld of I./KG 51 to Fassberg on 30 March 1945, then to Rheinsehlen on the following day.

Note that I was unaware of a "techn. mängel" as applied to an accident, although the poor condition of the aircraft as received by KG 51 could explain the "15%", but it certainly was not a LOSS. Fl.Ü.G. 1 was not mentioned although it is most likely who delivered the aircraft.

Like Andreas, I would believe that the WNr is 170090, provided all information is presented as found, and noted.

You never stop learning in this interest :-)