Crash of a Martin B-26B-4 Marauder near Sibley
Date & Time:
Jan 6, 1943 at 1451 LT
Operator:
Registration:
41-18102
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Lakeland - Omaha
Crew on board:
7
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The airplane departed Lakeland-Drane Field, Florida, on a training flight to Omaha. Approaching Omaha, the crew was unable to land because of a low ceiling which completely obscured the field. The pilot decided to fly around for about an hour in the hope that the skies would clear. However, there was no change in conditions. One of the engine stopped due to lack of fuel, followed shortly later by the second engine that failed as well. All seven crew members abandoned the airplane that crashed 3 km northeast of Sibley, bursting into flames. All seven occupants parachuted to safety.
Crew:
Adelbert L. Bowen, pilot,
Robert G. Newbern,
Lester D. Snell,
Lloyd J. Turner,
Sgt Gerald R. Franks,
Henry L. Fournier,
H. T. Barquest.
Crew:
Adelbert L. Bowen, pilot,
Robert G. Newbern,
Lester D. Snell,
Lloyd J. Turner,
Sgt Gerald R. Franks,
Henry L. Fournier,
H. T. Barquest.
Probable cause:
Double engine failure due to fuel exhaustion.
