Ever heard of the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and thought, “What makes this plane so special?”
You have come across news about the 2019 Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress crash and wondered why people still talk about it?
In this entry if you are interested in how this enormous bomber attained its mythical status, why it continues to make headlines, and if it is really just a rusted hunk of metal, then prepare yourself.
I am going to take you through the history of the plane, the crash, and the numbers relating to this flying icon.
What Is the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress?
The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is not your average aeroplane.
This thing was designed to be a beast during World War II. It could fly higher, farther and could take more punishment than any other bomber of that era.
Imagine a flying tank in the air complete with machine guns, hauling tons of bombs, and constructed with a part that could survive high-risk missions that those of other planes could not.
In WWII, it formed the mainstay of the American bombing operations over Europe; it was recognized for its workhorse-like characteristics.
As we discuss it today, why is it still topical in today’s news? For even many decades later it remains a part of aviation history and not entirely a glorious one.
The 2019 Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Crash
Here’s where things go tragic.
A Collings Foundation owned B-17 Flying Fortress that went through restoration in July 2019 crashed at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut on October 2, 2019.
It was to be a joy ride of some sort for aviation geeks, an opportunity to fly in an aircraft that once made history. However, the plane developed some mechanical problem with one of the engines after a few minutes of take off, could not gain height and finally flew into a de-icing building.
Of the 13 passengers and crew members on the aeroplane only seven survived.
It became a social issue of concern that many people were concerned about the dangers of flying such model aircraft or rather older model aeroplanes.
What Went Wrong?
Investigations revealed:
As if on a reported bigger script, one of the engines failed soon after the plane had taken off. It was unfortunate maintenance issues angered the candidate.
The crew attempted to head back to the runway but was unable to do it before time elapsed.
The crash was not merely a loss of life, it also was one of the last mass casualties with a B-17 since the planes ’ retirement from combat.
Why does Boeing B-17 remain current in the news discussion?
The Flying Fortress symbolises a period in real life, which knew no pity when it came to fear, or rather the lack of it, literally it is all the way up.
People enjoy viewing such planes during the air show, feeling the sound coming from their engines and thinking how it would have been to fly those during the war.
Plus, it is rare. Of all the B-17s ever constructed, which was 12,731, fewer than 50 survived and only less than 10 are actually flying.
Closer Look at the Numbers
Want some stats? Here’s what made the B-17 such a game-changer:
| Feature | Details |
| First Flight | July 28, 1935 |
| Crew Size | 10 (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, bombardier, gunners) |
| Payload | 4,500 pounds of bombs |
| Range | 2,000 miles |
| Top Speed | 287 mph |
| Armament | 13 .50 calibre machine guns |
| Survivability | Could return home with heavy damage |
Facts That Explain Why the B-17 Was Called the ‘Flying Fortress’
There is certainly a specific intention behind the name of this plane.
Regarding the B-17 the planes were equipped with 13 machine guns in order to counter the attacking of the fighter planes.
It was something akin to an aerial fortress safeguarding itself and its occupants during bombing runs.
But that’s not all:
IFFY, Its design was rough and therefore it could bear a blow and return back to base.
Some others travelled hundreds of miles with non-functioning engines.
To the crews it gave the image of a guardian angel with wings.
Participation of the B-17 Bomber in World War II
A strategic bomber that was being produced throughout WWII as the primary plane for the Eighth Air Force was the B-17.
But such were not simple tasks. Guards encountered anti-aircraft fire, low temperatures and fighters.
The survival rates that some of the missions boasted of were appalling and could make the faint-hearted dread the idea of space travel.
Key Achievements:
In turn, dropped 640,000 tons of bombs on Europe.
Took an active part in cutting the life-line of the Nazis armies.
Save the war and bring it in our favour.
Still, crews relied on the bomber to return them home, no matter if an attack was near.
What Makes the B-17 Unique?
Fifty years from now, there will be a lot of bombers, but what is there for a serious air force like ours other than the Flying Fortress?
Here’s why:
Design: Its four engines and robust structure made it very reliable during operations which could involve attack.
Defence: All of those machine guns could not be said to be ornamental.
Legacy: It represents courage, unity and some level of perish ability among the armies.
The Debate: Should Some of These Old Flying Machines Still Be Flying?:
The 2019 Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress crash reignited the debate about flying historical aircraft.
That is why people enjoy these planes when they are working, it looks like watching history move in front of their eyes.
But critics argue that:
Maintenance cannot ensure things as basic as the modern safety requirements, and this is why we must keep them updated.
These planes were not designed for today’s skies. To bring passengers and crew to this danger is intolerable.
Facts About the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
Other crews gave this machine a nickname, the “Queen of the Skies.”
It had 2,300 gallons of fuel on board for the long missions. People in the crew had their special warm suits to withstand the very low temperatures at higher elevation. One mission could take up-to 10 hours to complete.
Relevance Of Destroyer B-17
This is not only about an aeroplane. The exhibit itself is truly historic and the B-17 Flying Fortress symbolises courage, endurance and the spirit of design of the period.
People have heard about it since World War II up to its present participation in air shows. It’s always stunning to see what pressure can draw from aspiring individuals.
Even after the tragedy of the 2019 Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress crash, its legacy soars high.
Quick Takeaways
If you’re short on time, here’s the B-17 in a nutshell:
Built for war: Attacked others, protected its team, and persevered to come out of the war.
2019 crash: Emphasised the necessities of maintaining antiques in the skies.
Legacy: Brings admiration and respect even today.
Rare: Currently there are less than 10 flying today.
Final Verdict
The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress isn’t just a plane, it is a story. It is a real life experience of crews, daunting operational and development tasks, an aircraft that symbolises heroic action.
It remains a topic people discuss when it comes to safety or the possibilities of reviving historic neighbourhoods and what that might cost in the process. So, therefore, whether you have some special interest in history or are just a fan of good movie underdogs, the B-17 is going to float your boat.
Well, how many planes could claim to have faced the world and emerged a victor in the fight?
