-
Source: 8th AF Museum - Savannah -
The results of a taxiing collision at Rackheath. The mission on 04 Dec 44 had been ordered and planes were prepped. Because of foul weather, a stand-by was ordered. To keep the drizzle out, covers were placed over the cockpits and turrets of the armed and gassed planes. Then the order came-mission is a GO!
Crew chief Madison Earl Dickerson, who had allegedly been on pass the previous evening, fired up all four engines on '273' without the brakes or chocks in place. With the covers still on. '273' rolled across the hardstand and taxi strip colliding with 'Mary Ellen'.
This happened within 30 yards of 'Witchcraft', even through both planes were fully gassed and armed there was no explosion or fire.
Source: George Dong (Vet) -
Aftermath of Taxiing accidence with 42-95273.
Source: 467th Archives - Myles Coolidge Memorial Collection -
Aftermath of Taxiing accidence with 42-95273.
Source: Jack Stratton - Vet