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[Birddog36]

http://www.wthr.com/story/14893917/vintage-plane-crashes-in-illinois

Sad news but thankful everyone survived.

[Ivan-le-Rouge]

sadly the number of WW2 planes in flying condition are dicreasing... very bad news. Hopefully the crew survived

[Wildchild]

This is espcally sad for me because i took a ride on this B-17 in November it cost me 400$ but it was a ride of a life time. i hope they somehow manage to repair this big bomber (it is possible, they have restored a burned P-51 before)

[Birddog36]

I agree.  I got to tour her when she was first restored but never had the funds to fly in her.

[Rock]

I doubt she will be restored... More than likely used as parts for a new restoration. From early reports the main spar has gone so it looks unlikely that she will refly...

[Wildchild]

***WARNING= PHOTOS MAY BURN EYES***



well the tail and wings look repairable... would it be possible for them to completely rebuild the center section from old pre-WWII plans?

also i have this book labeled Final Cut- The Post war B-17 Flying Fortress and Survivors which has a pictorial history of B-17G 44-85734, and this was one of the 3 B-17 modified to accept a 5th motor for test work.



after the military sold it, the Bradly Air Museum receved the plane, were on October 3, 1979, a Grumman Albatross was flown through the B-17 during the storm, causing a huge gash in the center of the bomber.

http://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/photo/405184L.html

after that disaster the liberty bell foundation bought the B-17 and much of the B-17's new structure had to be built by hand due to extensive airframe damage

So, in conclusion, they could very well rebuild the same pieces by hand.

[HundertzehnGustav]

there is nothing structurally sane left but the wingtips and tail gunner position.
she is gone.
Hope the people are okay... even if i doubt it.
Hurts the eyes.

[MR_G]

That's only 45 minutes from where I live.....

Bummer.



A vintage World War II bomber crashed and burned in a field southeast of Aurora Municipal Airport, but the seven people on board escaped without injury, according to aviation officials. The plane, a B-17 known as a "Flying Fortress," took off from the airport at 9:30 a.m. and went down about three or four miles from Aurora about 20 minutes later, according to Elizabeth Isham Cory, a spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration.

[DD_BadAim]

I did not know that, Mate. That means I saw her just before the tornado. I live about 45 min from that museum, which is still in existence and better than ever. Thanks for the info, I love learning new things. Damn shame about the plane, but I'd not trade the lives of the crew for her, I'm glad they're O.K. 

[GeneralPsycho]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chibrknews-crews-responding-to-incident-involving-wwii-bomber-20110613,0,5852034.story

[Comm Cody]

About 30-40 miles away from my home.    I recall her flying over one my marching band performances. A beautiful gal and i hope she can be fixed.

[wb21]

Just saw it in the local news...what a great waste. Hope it could be still repaired, though.