The Collings Foundation WWII era Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress, registration N93012, named “Nine-O-Nine” impacted an airport structure while attempting to return to Windsor Locks-Bradley International Airport (BDL/KBDL), Connecticut.
The aircraft had received clearance for departure from runway 06 at 09:45 hours local time. After takeoff, the aircraft made a right-hand turn. At 09:50 the aircraft contacted the Bradley Tower controller for permission to land on runway 06. This was approved. The aircraft crashed as it attempted to land on runway 06. The aircraft came to rest in an airport de-icing fluid farm located 1100 feet to the east of the threshold of runway 06.
Officials reported that there were ten passengers and three crew members on board. Six people were taken to a local hospital.
Seven occupants were killed and the fate of the remaining six is unknown. Also, three people on the ground were injured
WATCH: Sky25 flew over @Bradley_Airport after a World War II-era plane crashed. We are working to gather more details as emergency crews are responding. Stay with us for updates. https://t.co/UTTPxOds63 #boston25 #bradleyairport #Connecticut pic.twitter.com/b5Q3ZJCv2f
— Boston 25 News (@boston25) October 2, 2019
The aircraft was part of the Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom Tour. Five historic WWII aircraft were on display at Bradley Airport and scenic flights were carried out.
A report by CBS Boston included a statement from Bradley International Airport that said, “We can confirm that there was an accident involving a Collings Foundation World War II aircraft this morning at Bradley Airport,” the airport tweeted. “We have an active fire and rescue operation underway.”
The CBS Boston report went on to say, “The FAA said a vintage Boeing B-17 crashed while trying to land on a runway at about 10 a.m. The agency added that it is a civilian aircraft, not flown by the military. Four people are being treated at Hartford Hospital, but the full extent of injuries was not known.”
#FAA Statement on Boeing B-17 incident at @Bradley_Airport. We will provide updates as they become available. pic.twitter.com/mPKInVQJ5O
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) October 2, 2019
But shortly after takeoff, the pilot told air traffic control: “N93012 would like to return to the field.”
“What is the reason for coming back?” the controller asked.
“You got No. 4 engine. We’d like to return, and blow it out,” another pilot in the aircraft said.
A pilot said he needed to land immediately, and the control tower diverted other jets that were about to land, the recording indicates.
After the B-17 crashed at the end of a runway, a plume of black smoke billowed from the scene.
B-17G Flying Fortress crashes at Bradley International Airport! Read more here:https://t.co/c4epcTfmDp #avgeek #warbirds pic.twitter.com/ICxGAeLUta
— Scramble (@scramble_nl) October 2, 2019
Jennifer Homendy of the National Transportation Safety Board said the plane hit the instrument landing system posts and veered to the right. It crossed a grassy area then a taxiway and ran into the de-icing facility.
The state health department advised the public not to come into contact with firefighting foam they may find on the Farmington River or its banks. It also advised against fishing in the river.
The Department of Energy & Environmental Protection was using booms to contain foam and leaked fuel in the brook by the airport.
After the B-17 crashed at the end of a runway, a plume of black smoke billowed from the scene.
Jennifer Homendy of the National Transportation Safety Board said the plane hit the instrument landing system posts and veered to the right. It crossed a grassy area then a taxiway and ran into the de-icing facility.
The state health department advised the public not to come into contact with firefighting foam they may find on the Farmington River or its banks. It also advised against fishing in the river.
The Department of Energy & Environmental Protection was using booms to contain foam and leaked fuel in the brook by the airport.
