Warbird Information Exchange

Catch-22 has become renowned for its role in saving the B-25 Mitchell aircraft type from a possible extinction.[8] The film's budget could only accommodate 17 flyable B-25 Mitchells, and an additional non-flyable hulk was acquired in Mexico, made barely ferry-able and flown with landing gear down to the Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico filming location.[5] The aircraft was burned and destroyed as part of the landing crash scene. The wreck was then buried in the ground next to the runway, where it remains to this day.[9]
For the film, mock upper turrets were installed, and to represent different models, several aircraft had the turrets installed behind the wings representing early (B-25C/D type) aircraft.[7] Initially, the camera ships also had the mock turrets installed, but problems with buffeting necessitated their removal.[10]

Many of the "Tallman Air Force" went on to have a career in films and television, before being sold off as surplus.[11] Fifteen of the 18 bombers used in the film still remain intact, including one on display at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum.[12]

B-25N AAF 45-8843 XB-HEY "Catch-22" as "6S", no name; never Tallmantz; bought in Mexico for use in film; damaged beyond repair during filming and reportedly buried on site at Guaymas, Mexico.

The B25 bomber that lies burning after a "crash" was perfectly airworthy before that scene. It was suspended above a gasoline-filled pit in the ground. The gasoline was ignited and the cameras rolled. It was not planned that the plane should be severely damaged, but after a number of retakes it had turned to a wreck, and was buried on the spot. (Source: Aircraft magazines) - Olav Westerman