Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress crash, Jun 13, 2011, Aurora-S...
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress accident on June 13, 2011 near Aurora-Sugar Grove, Illinois, United States with no fatalities. Cause: An inadequate repair...
- Date: June 13, 2011
- Aircraft: Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
- Location: Aurora-Sugar Grove, Illinois, United States
- Fatalities: 0
- Phase of flight: Takeoff and climb
- Cause: An inadequate repair of the No. 1 fuel tank let the leak continue, and fuel vapor and liquid fuel ignited in the open wing structure, probably from contact with hot nearby engine components.
A Liberty Foundation B-17G shortly after takeoff from Aurora, Illinois, noticed fuel odor and smoke, and a fire was then seen on the left wing. The crew made an emergency landing in a muddy corn field, and the fire consumed much of the airframe. Investigators found a fatigue crack along a weld seam in a No. 1 fuel tank repair made earlier that week.