Aircraft History
USAAF Serial Number 44-41460.

MIssion History
Returning form a mission late in the evening, it crashed aproximately two miles west of Fenton Airfield apparently unable to locate the flare illuminated airstrip, likely due to hazy visibility of only about one mile.

At approximately 2355, the aircraft crashed through trees and landed on an even keel. The trees helped to retard speed and the final impact was not very severe. Fire broke out in the nose and under the flight deck, presumably caused by the auxiliary power units smashing on impact.

Sgt Francis had his foot jammed in the waist gunner's area. He was freed eventually by Coward and Rhodes. The aircraft was well ablaze now. PLTOFF Rhodes carried out Jennings, dangerously injured, to safety. Scanlon, also dangerously injured, had managed to throw himself out of the aircraft and was carried to safety by Cambridge and Crawford. Coward was slightly injured. Parkinson and Pitt were killed in the crash, and afterwards, their remains were recovered.

Withn an hour of the crash, a 21 Squadron Tiger Moth helped guide ground parties to the scene of the crash, through roadless, timbered boggy country.

The next day, the two deceased crew were buried at Adelaide River Cemetery.

Wreckage
Wreckage from this bomber was recovered, and is displayed at Australian Aviation Heritage Centre.

References
Thanks to ADF Serials for aircraft details.

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009