Date & Time:
Jul 9, 1943
Type of aircraft:
Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (DC-3)
Operator:
Registration:
42-68761
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Skydiving / Paratroopers
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
MSN:
11688
YOM:
1943
Country:
Italy
Region:
Europe
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
4
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
0
Other fatalities:
0
Total fatalities:
4
Circumstances:
The airplane was engaged in a paratroopers mission, taking part to the 'Husky I' operation over Sicily. After all paratroopers bailed out, the airplane was mistakenly shot down by friendly fire and crashed. All four crew members were killed.
Crew:
2nd Lt James E. Ralph,
2nd Lt John Dwire Stiles,
T/Sgt Joseph A. Sahlfield,
S/Sgt Jesse D. Iman.
Crew:
2nd Lt James E. Ralph,
2nd Lt John Dwire Stiles,
T/Sgt Joseph A. Sahlfield,
S/Sgt Jesse D. Iman.
Probable cause:
Mistakenly shot down by friendly fire.
