Help with WWII accident image

[Randy Wilson]

I'm sorting through a collection of B&W photos all marked Signal Corps and many 7 SERV. C. DES MOINES. Some of the images are of aircraft involved in accidents or other incidents, including getting stuck in the Iowa mud. The first image is a photo of the airport terminal building showing the signage OCATSC HQ AAF Base Unit No. 4209 and AAF Servicing Detachment.

The second image looks to me to be the result of a B-17 running into the tail of a B-24 but I thought I'd see if anyone had a better explanation or ID of the planes. The photo number is 44-1025 and the date 4 Dec, which I think is 1944 from the photo number. If you look close, you will see the tips of two prop blades, one on the far left and one in the midst of the fuselage.

Thanks for any info. I may post some of the other images when I get some time.

Randy

[hang the expense]

One B-24 didn't see the brakelights on the one in front.Good thing the tailgunner wasn't at the office yet

[Randy Wilson]

Those don't look like later oval-shaped B-24 engine nacelles as much as B-17 ones to me. Thanks for you comment.

Randy

[hang the expense]

I agree,after I looked a little closer it looks like round B-17 cowling with the cowlflaps running all the way round.

[The Inspector]

Maybe, but it looks like a nose to nose collision since the cowl flaps on the engine on the right edge would open into the airstream which would sure cool off the cylinders, but would turn the crew into T-Rex wrestlers

[Dan K]

But which accident?

http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/src/AFrptsMO.htm

No accidents in Des Moines reported on Dec. 2nd, 3rd, or 4th of 1944, so do we assume a repair crew traveled to a (relatively) nearby location?

Are other aircraft types involved possible? C-54 perhaps?

[daviemax]

The aircraft striking the B-24 certainly appears to be a B-17 based on nacelle shape. Also, a very common cause of B-17 ground accidents was some failure of the service brake system. Accident reports are replete with these, often attributed to failure of the crew to properly handle the system, but also due to material causes. It is possible this is yet another occurrence of B-17 service brake failure. Look for an accident report at accident-report.com - they are likely have it.

[Randy Wilson]

Some of the other photos in the collection are of accidents some distance from Des Moines, including one I think is near Sioux City. Inspector, I think that the aircraft to the left is the rear of a B-24 due to the position of the window and what I see as a horizontal stab and elevator above and forward of the rear turret which took the brunt of the impact. Thanks to everyone for their added comments and info. I'll try and post some more images from this group as soon as I can. Been a busy day doing a fighter check ride.

Randy

[CoastieJohn]

Is there anything in that tail area of a B-24 that is hydraulically operated? Wondering what the fluid streaks are?

[The Inspector]

Some of the other photos in the collection are of accidents some distance from Des Moines, including one I think is near Sioux City. Inspector, I think that the aircraft to the left is the rear of a B-24 due to the position of the window and what I see as a horizontal stab and elevator above and forward of the rear turret which took the brunt of the impact. Thanks to everyone for their added comments and info. I'll try and post some more images from this group as soon as I can. Been a busy day doing a fighter check ride.

Randy

Yep! you right! my vision is so messed up with all the pollen floating around-I went back and enlarged the picture