Story behind film footage of B-17 crash

[RodM]

Hello One & All,

I am wondering if anyone knows the background behind an historical piece of film footage that shows the crash of a Boeing B-17, which appears to have suffered catastrophic damage (the nose section was destroyed along with a large portion of the port wing) prior to tumbling out of the air and exploding on the ground. The footage appears to have been filmed from the ground.

The footage is close-up and follows the B-17 during it's plunge to the ground. I first saw the footage in the 1980s and had never seen it again until yesterday. I've attached some screen grabs from the footage.

I am wondering when the crash occurred, the identity of the aircraft, and the circumstances of the crash.

Cheers

Rod

[Khorat]

Hi Rod,
if I remember well, the B-17 downed during tests of ground to air missiles.
But not realy sure.

khorat

[Atcham Tower]

Yes, it was a drone DB-17G hit by a missile. Someone will know more!

[Leendert]

DB-17 was a drone director, QB-17 the drone.
Several of the latter were shot down during the 1950s in missile tests (Nike Ajax, Sparrow, Falcon...), apparently the last one on 6 Aug 1959 (44-83717). Also used in nuclear tests.

Regards,

Leendert

[Atcham Tower]

And Leendert knew more! My memory was adrift on the DB-17/QB-17. I should have looked it up ...

[RodM]

Hi khorat, Atcham, and Leendert,


a very belated thanks for your replies and for providing the explanation.

Cheers

Rod