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Re: B-17C 40-2047

Posted by Scott Thompson on Tue Nov 26, 2002 06:41:31 PM

In reply top Re: B-17C 40-2047 posted by Chuck on Tue Nov 26, 2002 06:28:42 PM

There's not much to recover that would be usable for anything other than a display of a crushed and flattened B-17 wing and aft fuselage. Forward fuselage is MIA and the engines and other parts are scattered over hundreds of acres. The airplane broke up in a spin at 18,000 feet, though all but one of the crew was able to get out safely. This particular airplane was attached to the 7th BG out of Salt Lake City and no doubt would have been in the group of B-17s being ferried into Hickam on 12/7/41 save for the crash, which occurred in early November 1941 as the B-17C was being ferried into McClellan Field (Sacramento) for an engine change.

However, the point is well taken that this is the last known B-17C to remain on this earth in any form, and one of two of the early small-tailed Forts. It's a shame to hear the wing section was sawed apart.

As for recovery, good luck in trying to arrange the paperwork. I investigated it briefly and don't think it would be worth the large amount of money it would take, even after the proper permissions were granted.

I think there is a better way to put together a B-17C/D...using components from a G fusleage (there are a few around) rebuilt to the C/D configuration. Just add money and talent.

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