Crash in Texas April 1945

[Paul Krumrei]

This was e-mailed to me, I have tried to look info up and just sent in to Maxwell for more info. Anyone have any clues, other than the AFB is really Barksdale, ( he must have mistyped )

my name is charles w carroll I am trying to learn the circumstances of the crash of a bomber in april 1945 on the george yates farm in deberry texas. a relative (uncle ) tech sgt charles spriggs was killed in the crash along with 8 others they were reportadly on a training mission flown out of Barlsdale afb . at the time of the crash information was limited and it was believed that the bomber was used as an airborn meeting place for 3 men whose names were never released .a newspaper acount stated the plane blew up in mid air and broke apart in the air , and the wreckage landed on the farm of george yates of deberry texas .tech sgt charles w. spriggs was burried in kentucky and his brother said his coffin was so heavy they couldnt lift it , also it was sent with armed gaurds who never left it . many years later a presidential letter was sent during kennedys term that offered thanks for his service and said that his mission that day was secret and couldnt be revealed.I am trying to find out anything about this event to add to what is know as fact his three sisters and brother have always been troubled by the lack of information . any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated .
thanks charles w carroll

[Swiss Mustangs]

450412; B-29 42-95398; 331st CCTS; homebase Barksdale Field, LA ; KCREF (crashed due to engine failure), Pilot Walter H. Greer; came down 3 m E of Debarry, TX

Martin

[Paul Krumrei]

YOU DA MAN!!!

Super job....ok sneeky, where did you get this?



MY question would be engine failed? B-29, wow they must have lost them all?

[Swiss Mustangs]

Paul

this is from the AAIR site..... I have some headaches re. the serial number, though - because it's a Ford built B-24.....

the 331st CCTS (Combat Crew Training Squadron) used B-29's during spring 1945..... so a bit more research is on...

another source also carries this serial paired with B-29..... so the accident report is erroneous.... (and from the information you gave - deliberately erroneous ?)


Martin

[Paul Krumrei]

Yeah, I noticed the serials is listed as a B-24 too. hmmmm

The info was supplied from a individual, whom I have no idea who he is.

Also, I had no idea if it was a B-29 or not?

[Dave Smith]

Tony Mireles' AAF Fatal Accidents book says this is 42-65398. Crashed after catastrophic structural failure of tail section while on an instrument flight check "under the hood".

[Ztex]

Accident Reports.com says B-29 42-65398 - Crashed Texas 4/12/45 too...

http://www.accident-report.com/Serials/1942x.htm

[Swiss Mustangs]

roger that !

thanks for the clarification.

Martin