Underwater investigation for uncorrelated B-17F crash site, likely associated with MACR 16058

DPAA partner institution East Carolina University (ECU) will conduct deep-water underwater investigation operations on the site believed to be associated with MACR 16058. MACR 16058 involves the 18 April 1943 loss of a B-17F, serial number 41-24371) of the 12th Air Force, 301st Bombardment Group (Heavy), 353rd Bombardment Squadron (Heavy). This aircraft crashed while on a mission to raid railroad installations at Palermo, Italy and Bocca Di Falco Airdrome when it was intercepted by ME-109 and ME-110 fighter aircraft over the target area. The aircraft was observed to go into a steep dive over the target and drop out of formation with the loss of the number two engine. Witnesses also reported that one crewmember parachuted into the sea before the aircraft crashed. All nine crewmembers remain unaccounted-for.

Scholars @ ECU