B-17 "Liberty Belle" Crashes in Illinois

Here is the statement from the Chief Pilot:

Home | Liberty Belle B-17 Flying Fortress

 

I've had the chance to see 2 B17's, a B24, and a B25. Although Liberty Belle is not one of the ones I've seen, its still sad to see one of these beautiful birds go

 

A few years ago I took the $400 ride on the Aluminum Overcast when it toured here in Billings, but when Sentimental Journey showed up recently I didn't have the "brass in pocket" to take another ride. I did go up and do the walk around/through tour and took photos this last time.

For the ride I had set my Vivitar camera down when I was filling out the insurance waivers for the ride, and didn't realize I didn't have the bugger until I was airborne. Sadly the camera was gone when we set down, I had no photos, and now no camera. Ah well, I had been thinking about a better one anyway. I changed my Avatar to show the Sentimental Journey I took pics of when it was here in Billings.

 

Gotta love Sentimental Journey! I saw her, Nine 'O Nine, Witchcraft(B24), and Tondalayo(B25)

 

Very sad indeed. First reaction is considerable relief that the crew escaped ; however the loss of an irreplaceable airframe is a tragedy.

Also I have sympathy for the hardworking enthusiasts and experts who toil to keep a vintage machine such as this airborne. Too see your 'bird' destroyed must be heartbreaking.

 

There is a photo at the bottom of the linked thread that shows the a/c in flight with fire visible from the wing. A couple of possible causes are mentioned. It could have also been started by and electrical issue or an exhaust/turbo leak. Hopefully the investigators will determine a root cause.

B 17 Crash near Aurora Illinois