B-17 Bomber “Liberty Belle” Crashes Near Chicago
A vintage World War II B-17 bomber, dubbed the “Liberty Belle,” crashed and burned this morning in a cornfield outside Chicago.
The Boeing aircraft, commonly referred to as a “Flying Fortress,” took off from the Aurora Municipal Airport around 9:30 AM and was forced to make an emergency landing after the pilot reported an engine fire.
According to the Chicago Tribune, one witness saw the pilot set the plane down in a gap between a relay tower about 60 to 70 feet high and a line of trees 25 to 30 feet high.
“He did a great job,” said Jim Barry, a local who was sitting in his home when he heard the B-17 flying low overhead.
Once the bomber touched down, flames started shooting as high as 50 feet in the air and engulfed the aircraft.
Don Brooks, founder of the Liberty Foundation, the organization that spearheaded the plane’s restoration in 2004, said the seven people on board- comprised of crew members and volunteers who help with the foundation’s tours around the country- all were fortunate enough to walk away without serious injury.
“It’s a sad day but a good one in that no one was hurt. An airplane can be replaced.”
Below is footage of emergency crews working to extinguish the flames on the Liberty Belle.
via Chicago Tribune
Tags : b-17 bomber, b-17 bomber crash, chicago b-17 crash, flying fortress crash, liberty belle crashes, liberty foundation
Posted: June 13, 2011
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Jun 14, 2011
what a shame.
Jun 14, 2011
I saw this plane not long after takeoff,,, I didn't see any problems at that time,,,,,?
Jun 14, 2011
I have seen aircraft pulled up out of the ocean looking far worse than this, and within 5 to 10 years of patience restoration work, they look just like they were when they rolled off of the assembly line.
Jun 14, 2011
Plane is burnt to a crisp there is no way to restore that!, Perhaps some parts could be rescued for use elsewhere,
Jun 14, 2011
terrible
Jun 14, 2011
What a terrible day for all who love vintage warbirds! Liberty Belle you will be missed!
Jun 14, 2011
Yes it's a sad day – NO, the airplane CAN'T be replaced! Far worse than this? Half the airplane is GONE! Glad no one got hurt. If anyone can tell me who rebuilt the engines, I'd like to know – mouchot@yahoo.com.
Jun 14, 2011
Yeah I saw that today. Sad loss.
Jun 14, 2011
Why am I not surprised. Whats the message here. Thanks Joe.
Jun 14, 2011
The B17 was one of my favorite ww2 planes, Sad to lose one more, there are so few that are operational.
Jun 14, 2011
Unfortunately the heat generated by the fire will have caused metal to expand and twist, aircraft, something that doesn't occur as much on one pulled from the ocean, as such the air frame is in a better condition to start from.
Jun 14, 2011
I am really sad about this mishap. I watched for years when Mr Riley and crew rebuilt this gracious aircraft. I especially am sorry for Mr. Brooks, for he is the owner. I am also very happy that nobody was hurt it this accident. This is another LOSS to the Warbird community.
Jun 14, 2011
sad day for aviation buffs great old plane will be missed.
Jun 15, 2011
Michael i realize its a plane but what about the person flying it???????
Jun 15, 2011
they all survived the crash
Jun 15, 2011
I took a tour of this plane in Hayward Ca in April greart plane they have a p40 Flying Tiger Also.
Jun 15, 2011
My father was on a B-17 F called "Susie Sag Tits", and another called "Quarterback", in the 388th Bomb Group at Knettishall, England. He was a tailgunner that flew 25 missions. He was in England from September of 1943 to March of 1944. I am an Air Force Vietnam Veteran who loves aviation and aircraft. I retired from British Airways and have traveled the country to airshows and have see this B-17, (Block J tail) fly many times. My dad was in the 562nd Squadron Block H tail. Too bad about this crash. I am sad. A part of American History gone.
Jul 19, 2011
Seeing that Fort onthe cornfield burning serves as a reminder of the previous 7000+ forts lost during WWII. IMO the greatest bomber of all.
Jul 19, 2011
sad to hear that happened,gone forevever,but the memories who flew it will last forever