B-24 crash in White Mountains on September 11, 1942


Returning to Davis-Monthan from a navigational training flight, B-24D (41-23855) with ten men onboard, crashed into the White Mountains.  Salvage crews wrestled most of the big bomber off the mountain, but scattered debris still remains at the crash site.

The Liberator left Davis-Monthan on a navigational flight to Omaha, Nebraska.  The first leg of the flight was successful.  The return flight began at approximately 2330 CWT (Central War Time).  Rough weather was encountered along the Arizona/New Mexico border.  The ceiling was down to 6,000 feet.  Mt. Baldy rises to over 11,000 feet.  Off course by 30 miles and flying through bad weather, the bomber crashed into Mt. Baldy.  It would take several days before a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) plane located the wreckage. 
 

Cross at crash site for Capt. Dwyer.

General view of crash site.

Nose gear.

Pratt & Whitney logo found approximately 300 yards from main crash site.

Main debris area.

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© 2002  Chris McDoniel
All Rights Reserved.