Welford AFB

During the final approach completed by night, an engine failed. The aircraft lost height, hit trees and crashed in flames, upside down, in a wooded area. All four crew members were killed.

After touchdown at RAF Welford, the aircraft was unable to slow down properly. The crew decided to retract the landing gear so the aircraft sank on its belly and skidded for several yards before coming to rest. There were no casualties but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

The aircraft registered 42-24030 left RAF Welford on a formation training mission with another USAF C-47 registered 42-24028. While cruising in the vicinity of RAF Membury, both aircraft collided and crashed in a field located 2 miles southwest of the airfield. All nine occupants on both aircraft were killed.
Crew (71st Squadron):
2nd Lt Forrest Kilmer Ames,
Sgt Irvin T. Foucheaux,
1st Lt Alvin Markey,
2nd Lt Ralph O. Rice,
S/Sgt Roy A. Taylor.

The aircraft registered 42-24028 left RAF Welford on a formation training mission with another USAF C-47 registered 42-24030. While cruising in the vicinity of RAF Membury, both aircraft collided and crashed in a field located 2 miles southwest of the airfield. All nine occupants on both aircraft were killed.
Crew (71st Squadron):
Sgt Roy A. Adams,
2nd Lt Samuel J. Bryan,
2nd Lt Bernard R. Gildea,
S/Sgt Julius J. Jacobs.