Juan, Thank you for that update and for explaining how the FAA regulates this type of aircraft. This is just a terrible tragedy. On an aside my father was a B-29 navigator in USAAC/USAAF 1942-1945 in the Pacific. In the 1980s he gave me his original flight jacket with squadron insignia to keep for posterity (I have it hanging in a cedar closet in my home and I will give it to my son some day). He died in 2016 at age 94 and I miss him. My family has supported the rebuild of B-29 Doc thru the Friends of Doc. God bless Paul
So sorry for your loss. Mine passed away in April of this year at 96, he was a tank commander in Patton's 3rd Army. Soon they will all be gone. I'm glad you have your dads flight jacket.
This truly breaks my heart, Juan. I'm devastated by the loss of life. It is so sad. My condolences to the families and the friends of all who were lost. This is tragic. When I moved my family to Connecticut, we moved to a little town called Newtown. We lived there for 5 years and then moved to Woodenville, WA. While we were in Connecticut, my wife worked for the city council for a time, and had a lot of friends who knew about the Collings Foundation. While we lived there, the Collings Foundation helped restore a very old pipe organ in the local church and I met several of the Foundation's members. What a fantastic group. One day after work, one of the members mentioned to me that Nine-0-Nine was going to be giving some flights to people who wanted to ride in a B-17G, and would I like to catch a ride? Absolutely!! That Saturday, way before the crack of dawn, he picked me up, and we went to the airport. I had to sign a lot of legal documents and my fee was waived because I fixed the power supply for the controller for the organ at my electronics lab at my home. We walked out to the tarmac and in about 10 minutes, here she came. The most gentle giant I've ever seen. Far and away the true example of a war bird, graceful and LOUD. Those 4 Wright Cyclones were incredibly loud in an almost musical way, singing their songs alone and together. You could feel them in your chest. I ran my hand over the skin and felt her idling there, such power all in one machine. And the wind generated by those props was astounding, and at idle no less. I brought my video camera and switched it on as soon as I saw her inbound for landing and didn't turn it off until we were ushered off the line and she took another group of excited passengers on their ride. What a ride.. Takeoff was amazing, but not what you would expect. Just a rise in engine and prop noise and a gentile lift off, constant climb. We were then "cut loose" to roam about. The B-17G has a surprisingly small inside space, at least when you are used to flying 737's or Airbus 320's. I went to the tail-gunner's position and found I was a bit overweight. Then, I made my way through the plane, said hello to the pilot and the co-pilot and the flight engineer and went forward to the bombardier's station. There were places to sit and those 4 huge props were right over your shoulders. The sound was incredible. It was the Saturday, 4th of July, and we flew over Newtown and watched the parade through the city, the bands playing and the various groups marching through the city. Then we went off the the Northwest for a time, and I admired the view from where I was sitting, filming all the time. She was like riding a flying carpet. Then the journey was over, sadly, and the landing was a squeaker, just perfection, and we finally had to de-plane. I have the video, and now I will commit it to DVD and to MP4 so I can give it to my kids and my grandchildren. It was a flight of a lifetime, and I'm very devastated and in tears for the loss of life and a bird I flew in for a brief time, by what happened today, October 2, 2019. Godspeed the crew and passengers of Nine-0-Nine. Nine-0-Nine involved in this accident was named for the original Nine-0-Nine which didn't escape the jaws of the metal scrapper, very much a tragic loss for all of us. The B-17 named Nine-0-Nine that flew in the war was one of the very few B-17's where not a single crew member was killed during her operations in the European theater. The Nine-0-Nine I flew in never went to Europe, but was utilized as you mentioned in this video. The Collings Foundation named her in honor of the B-17 Nine-0-Nine that flew in the war overseas. I always thought that was a very nice touch.
Prayers sent for all concerned and involved injured and passed. Totally agree with you. These war bird are important. I already watched one politician postering earlier this afternoon. Disgusting display. Let the FAA and NTSB do their work. Thank your for your excellent information.
I watched the afternoon news conference conducted by Bradley International Airport personnel and other aviation officials involved in the tragic B-17 crash. I have the utmost respect for those who spoke with the exception of Sen. Richard Blumenthal. The senator appeared 2/3rds of the way through the conference. He interrupts, takes the podium and it quickly becomes awkwardly obvious that he was using the tragedy to politically grandstand himself. He no sooner takes the podium when he states he has contacted the NTSB and “called for” an investigation. Sorry Senator Blumenthal, but the NTSB investigates ALL aircraft accidents here in the US. Big ones, small ones, old and new and amazingly enough, even old B-17 ones! They certainly don’t need you to “demand” one. I don’t doubt that he called the head of the NTSB and threw is weight around. After all, he made absolutely sure we all knew the NTSB, “Reports to the Commerce Committee, which is one of my committees,” as if somehow that gave him some credibility. What was that all about?! At least part of my issue with the senator is just how clueless he is on what the NTSB does and how they work. To top this all off, the wreckage had barely cooled down when Senator Blumenthal makes the misleading, biased and ill-informed statement, “I think there is a real need for scrutiny and oversight,” on these B-17 flights. I didn’t realize the they shut down the FAA and repealed all of the FAR’s! The senator is obviously clueless on the already robust regulatory requirements that are already in place here in the USA and apply to ALL aircraft. Imagine! Even B-17s! Demanding more oversight is just par for the course for a pandering politician. Hey! I’ve, got a novel idea. Maybe we should wait and see exactly what transpired here before opening one’s mouth and inserting one’s foot all the way up to the knee cap! The senator contributed zero to the conference. It was a disgrace to see him use the tragedy to further his political position.
Agree, that was such a stupid and ill-informed statement. Similar to some politicians in Hawaii a few months ago, calling for a ban to all helicopter tours because one crashed in a street.
Juan I echo how quickly you have been able to provide us with this information on the loss of 909. My prayers and condolences go to the family and friends who were lost and injured in this tragedy.
You did an outstanding job of framing this type of operation. I hope, as do you, that this information can be transmitted to the “lawmakers” to educate them before they start down their usual general misrepresentation and laying waste to this type of operation. Keep up the good work.👍
Arthur, you said it just right. This was my favorite warbird. Hate to see it go, and others along with it. Also hate to see legislators going off half cocked. We already have very ample regulations, as Juan reminded us.
Sounds like other issues where certain members of Congress will jump to conclusions before facts are released and then continue making their case despite the facts.
MattHeaven I am not surprised with that idiot Blumenthal as the Senator! Not sure he’d be capable of being educated! I heard he was on GMA spouting off on them!
Richard Blumenthal is already talking about more government oversight. He mentioned that at the press conference on the day of the crash. It's ridiculous.
So sad. I grew up 2 towns away from Bradley Field. And the only time I ever saw a flying B-17 was in Hartford, when I came upon a B-17 landing at Brainard Airport in Hartford. So majestic an airplane. Thanks for this info.
Juan, I apologize for not making myself clear. My comment was not referring to the exemption to Part 91 allowing warbird pax ops. You explained that well. I was referring to your blanket statement about Part 91 where you say (referring to the Part you fly under with the Mighty Luscombe at at 7:55) that Part 91 is for "private flying, not for hire." This is incorrect. On the contrary, Part 91 *does* allow pax flights for hire, as long as it's for sightseeing within 25nm of the departure airport. Many a young CFI like myself got the occasional break in instructional flights to take members of the public on a sightseeing flight. Of course, you get more of these opportunities if you're based at a tourist spot, such as I was in HNL. I sold two new C207s to an operator who exclusively did around-the-island sightseeing flights, all under Part 91. Sightseeing flights with paying pax cross my house daily on Oahu.
Juan, FYI: The serial number prefix for AF aircraft including current procurement is normally the U.S. gov't fiscal year in which the procurement was funded. The aircraft which was lost today was delivered in April 1945 and did not see action. The war in Europe was over or virtually over when it rolled off the assembly line at Douglas Long Beach. The original, legendary, '909' was an early 'G' (42-31909) built by Boeing in Seattle before that plant was dedicated to production of the B-29.
More people have died in car crashes or from smoking cigarettes in one hour, and government officials are worried about obscure aviation incidents?. This accident aside, it is amazing to imagine WW2 where >hundreds< of these aircraft were departing in formations and what a roar of radial engines that would be.
One went down and burned on a test flight because of a fuel leak in montgomery Illinois a few years back out by me. Only one person got hurt when they hit there head on the door jam getting out. Accidents happen, thats why we have regulations in place to minimise them the best we can. If theres something that can be learned from this, the regulations will be updated.
Very sad to hear this news and my sympathies go out to the families of those involved. I was up in the sister B-24 Witchcraft out of John Wayne in Santa Ana a few years back and thoroughly enjoyed the flight. Gave me an appreciation of what our airmen went through at altitude back in WWII...I can't really imagine what it like at 25000ft where the temps are -30. A sad day for historic aviation.
Juan, Great job! As to demonitization due to sa* content, a warning flashed at the beginning might take care of that. [Please see Vet Ranch on You Tube to see how they take care of it when they are showing live surgeries.]
Slight correction to the video: the aircraft never made it to the runway. The NTSB also plans on issuing a preliminary report on the accident in about 10 days, she said. The NTSB will not provide a probable cause while conducting its investigation, Homendy said. “We know that the crew circled back to Runway 6 and attempted to land on Runway 6,” she said. “They impacted the instrument landing system stanchions, the plane veered to the right, crossed over a grassy area, crossed over the taxiway and impacted a de-icing facility.” Check out flight profile: flightaware.com/live/flight/N93012/history/20191002/1348Z/KBDL/KBDL?fbclid=IwAR2WzgbFOVia_hGtzMYE7jQVEzgEJQSKOzMVb-y2_t981cE5zqdoqJ5bNuU After takeoff the pilot asked the tower to return to the airport with #4 out. Response was downwind for 6. Question, we may never know, is why didn't they declare an emergency and land on 33? Why keep going for 6 when 33 was right there, halfway on the downwind to 6? If you have an engine problem in the pattern and gained only 200', you get down ASAP. According to audio transmissions of the moments before the crash, a pilot said he’d “like to return to the field.” The controller said, “What’s the reason for coming back?” “Number 4 engine, we’d like to return and blow it out.” “You can proceed to runway 6 and you said you need an immediate landing?” “When you get a chance yeah.” “I just want to make sure because we have air traffic coming in can you go or do you need to be on the ground right now?” The pilot clarified that he needed to land and the controller directed air traffic away from the airport. After the crash, the controller calmly said, “Bradley airport is closed for an aircraft incident.”
Wonder if at the pilot's age - 75 - although very experienced, if the engine problem triggered a medical emergency that ended up causing the crash. I still wonder why on three engines it could not gain altitude and touched down 1,000 feet short. I've see photos of these planes so shot up it seemed impossible that the crews flew them back. -- Don't know if this was true but supposed communication between tower and crashing B-17 in England. Tower " do you need rescue vehicles?" Pilot "tower, not sure as we haven't finished crashing yet."
I am so devastated by this crash. My uncle recently was a passenger on this aircraft at a tour site. The glory it provided him of his war days for this country was priceless. This crash hits at the heart of so many that fought and gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. I am truly heartbroken. God please comfort the survivors (families) of this epic crash. Just hurt by the loss. Condolences to all.
For those that lost their lives in the accident, prayers for their families and friends. For those that hurting prayers for a speedy recovery. Thank you Juan for your update and explanation.
Absolutely remarkable how quickly blancolirio manages to produce his excellent videos. Rest in peace to those lost souls and thoughts and prayers to the family's of the victims.
@@martharetallick204 - I agree, he's the BEST! However, I'd prefer to keep him out of the clutches of the mainstream media machine. He needs to be FREE to report FACTS.
@@chesterfinecat7588 Honestly Juan is anything but an ambulance chaser, he's an antidote to sensationalised mainstream media reporting, offering an in-depth look at the facts .
My brother and I were both on 909 when it crashed in 1987; I was 17 (the youngest and only female on board) and my brother was 19. My dad bought two tickets at $100 each and watched his only children go off the end of the runway that day. He grabbed a fuel truck (he and my mom were part owners in one of the flight schools on the field at the time - Stensin Aviation) and raced to the scene. Fortunately, there were no fatalities that day. The aircraft would undergo more than three years of volunteer restoration by Air Heritage, PIA (Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics), USAir and so many other unaffiliated enthusiasts. My best friend Donna and I volunteered and were assigned to work on the junction boxes and label miles of wiring. Many of my airport friends and I ate, slept and breathed that aircraft until it's departure, which there were no words to express how we felt watching it finally leave - only smiles, tears and hugs. Shortly afterwards, I became a captain for a regional airline and was pleasantly surprised to cross paths with 909 on many occasions. I enjoyed telling my story of 909 to my crew, ramp agents, ground handlers or anyone who would listen. It is with such a heavy heart that 909's story has to end this way.
Thank you Kelly for doing so much to help keep history alive for those of us that are lovers of aviation. Glad to see an accident did not keep you out of the air! Wonderful story, so nice of you to share it with us.
Kelly, did you fly for Brockway Air out of DuBois? I was with Brockway out of Plattsburg, NY at the time. Thank you for your efforts on the grand old gal! She has touched so many lives over the years, including yours truly. It's hard to believe she's gone. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved.
I so much appreciate your posts like this. You have a way of separating the facts from the hype. Hopefully you will stop being harrassed by the censors at TH-cam.
@@mdizzle93 I got a ride in collings B-24 when it was painted as the Dragon and his tail in 2000 and it was the best $350 I spent too! A ride in 909 was on my bucket list...…..Thanks to the Collings foundation for keeping warbirds flying and giving people the chance to experience a wonderful piece of our aviation history !
M18 Hellcat "we are not going to pay $xxx each for a 30 minute flight." For this I am truly thankful. The _last_ person I want sitting beside me on _any_ flight is one who views life in cost-per-minute terms. Equally undesirable is someone who feels the need to recruit me / humanity to that creepy point of view.
So sad to hear of this tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go out to the crew, passengers, families and friends. Many thanks to the Collings Foundation for keeping these beautiful machines flying. I flew in 909 a few years ago during their spring tour season. Had a great flight. They flew down the California coast at ~250ft. Pilots and crew were pleasant to chat with. Was able to squeeze into the nose and sit at the bombardiers’s position. How anyone wearing a parachute could squeeze thru that opening in a hurry is beyond me. After the flight I had a renewed appreciation for what our airman sacrificed during W2.
I had the same exact wonderful experience on Nine-O-Nine out of Moffett in California, an opportunity to touch history. My heart goes out to the passengers, crew and their families as they cope with this tragedy.
I've wondered the same thing regarding the tight quarters in some of these old military aircraft. I think part of the explanation is that most of the crew were very young, in good physical condition, and of small to medium size. My mother worked for Boeing in 1943 and was part of the crew building the tail turrets for the B17. She was about 5'1" tall and probably weighed about 100 lbs. She went from Boeing to the Women's Army Air Corp in 1944, and through the rest of the war. She told me that they also hired very small people, in the 4 to 5 foot range, to work inside the wings. The big guys just didn't fit! When I was in Vietnam in the early '70s, I talked with a couple F4 pilots who said that the limit for "comfortable" fit was about 6'. Any taller, with long legs, and they had trouble firing the ejection seat. They couldn't move the seat back far enough to not hit their legs on the way up (out). I've never heard of military aircraft being described as "comfortable!"
I don't think they wore the chutes at all times. Some of the positions, they had the chutes stored nearby, as yeah, there was just not enough room to work your station while wearing a chute
My favorite model airplane when I was a kid, even did a special report in 5th grade on the history of the B-17 so hearing this news today was heartbreaking for all involved.
I heard one congressman yesterday saying these old aircraft shouldn’t be flying! What about all the USAF aircraft that are not that much younger still flying? B-52’s and KC-135’s to be specific. These aircraft that the USAF are still flying on missions every day, are being maintained generally by kids just out of High School! These old vintage warbirds are being maintained by mechanics that have years of experience! Give me the years of experience any day!
@Tom Uhlig. I read awhile back of a young Air Force captain delivering a B52 to the boneyard, who reviewed the logs and discovered his granddad had delivered it from the factory. Sarah n'Dippity.
I sit on 2 Board of Directors of aviation organizations. To cast ANY doubt on the frequency or quality of inspections/maintenance/airworthiness of these old Warbirds is grasping at straws. Trust me when I say that the dedication exhibited every day to keeping them safe & flying is BY FAR superior to any program followed by a commercial airline. The age(s) of these aircraft is irrelevant. They are among the safest airplanes in the sky. Full Stop. As with any machine, there are instances of failures that can contribute to failure, but the B-17 has a rock solid reputation of being one of the finest aircraft to ever fly, with a 75 year history to prove it. This accident has hit us all very, very hard, and this crew was very close to some of my very close friends. I think I can safely speak for the entire industry when I say that we are ALL heartbroken, and will wait for the report to be released before speculating about the cause. God’s Speed to the friends & families of the lost Souls, and a full recovery to those that were injured. You are all in our prayers.
While these war bird flights are probably more dangerous than commercial flights, I suspect the the drive to and from the airport is still the most dangerous part of the day for the people that fly in them. I too wish the politicians would seek knowledge before posturing, but I suspect that's a pipe dream.
Thank you Juan. I’m from Connecticut and I got more information from your 11 minute video than the non stop tv coverage from my local main stream new. So annoying the stupid questions and comments the reporters kept repeating for hours and hours.
I support the Collins Foundation they are a great outfit. Several years ago 909 suffered major hail damage and had to be reskinned. If I remember right Boeing stepped in with some help but I may be wrong. I have been on 909 two times and two times on the B-24 when it was the Dragon and His Tail as well as the B-25. It breaks my heart what happened, I will savor my photos forever. News report said 909 hit a stanchion right after it touched down and veered off to the right into the building. My condolences to all.
@a10warthog61 Wrong about what? 909 has had several crashes including a collapsed landing gear that was in 1995, in fact it had 2 crashes in the 80's! Hail damage was 2008 or 09. Read the history!
Excellent reporting Juan. Right on top of it with great research on the history and FAR's that regulate this type of flying. You really should get some kind of award.
Thank you Juan. This seemed to effect so many, I know it did me. We owe much these war birds, those that designed and built them, maintained them, flew them. We are so fortunate to still have them around and flying, we cant afford to be ignorant of our history. Like so many times in our past it really hurts, when one of them goes in peacetime it seems worse. RIP to those who left us today.
I had a friend and fellow pilot (he's dead now) who was a B-17 pilot in WW-II. He actually made and survived 25 missions. He said that if they lost an outboard engine, they shut the opposing one down, feathered the prop and dumped all the weight they could, then it would fly home. If they lost an inboard engine, they could still control the ship with the opposing engine developing full power.
This has been tearing my heart out all day long thinking about it. I can't even watch the mainstream news on this - they literally make me sick! 😡 They've become more aligned with Hollywood actors than any factual source of information. All I keep hearing is, "the thick black smoke, from the fuel", and " These airplanes are 70 years old". I want to reach through my TV and slap these morons! My heart aches for the families of those lost - I hope they're not watching the mainstream news for information on this. May God help them through this trying time. I have lots of unanswered questions, as I'm sure everyone does. I had looked at runway 6 on Google Maps earlier in the day, and my speculation tells me either they landed very quickly, or lost control at those last few seconds on final. We'll find out soon enough, and that's neither here nor there - we unfortunately cannot turn back time. 😢 I sure hope legislators don't do anything stupid, like they normally do, with knee-jerk legislation after a tragedy. I look forward to this show every year. Seeing these warbirds fly over my property here brings me to tears of joy, thinking of all our Warriors of the Greatest Generation that braved harsh conditions, and life-threatening situations, and always went on the next mission without hesitation. I agree 100% with you, Juan - this precious history NEEDS to be preserved! I've learned more about these warbirds, thanks to the Collings Foundation, than I ever did in 12 years of public schooling. I'm praying for sanity in our government with regards to this incident. The living history of WWII needs to carry on for future generations. Again, thank you for bringing some sanity to this whole incident, and thank you for the rapid response to it.
The TV talking heads were astounded that an aircraft this old was allowed to fly. I’m sure he’d have a heart attack if he knew how many Dakota’s are still flying. Falcon Field in Mesa is my home airport and where I had my flight training. It’s incredible to visit a vintage air show with men who flew the WW II fighters and bombers. We need to support those who maintain the aircraft that kept bus free. I would love to fly in the B-17, B-24 as well as the Lancaster and Mosquito. The Confederate Air Force maintained 6 Connie’s at Falcon but I never had the opportunity to fly aboard those beautiful machines. Regarding the Hartford crash, 6 died the message just flashed across my screen. I feel great sympathy for the loved ones of those who lost their lives and for the injured.
I rode in 909 5 years ago out of Moffett Field, CA. It was worth every cent of the $450. I was inspired to ride in this great machine because I had a hospital room mate that was a B17 commander in WWII. His stories were spectacular with direction, airspeed and altitude locked into his memory. His name was Captain Stewart Greene. I shot video of every second of the pre-flight, flight and post flight.We were allowed to move around and look out every bubble and turret. This particular bird had a huge fuselage opening in front of the vertical stab, in the ceiling, that you could just stick your head up and have the air flow take your hat and glasses off !! My fear was that someday insurance reg's would stop the flight of these ancient birds. There are a very long series of videos on my channel of this historic bird flying from the inside and outside, if anyone cares. My deepest condolences to all involved.
I was curious about your flight. I hope you don't mind if I post your video. Here is part 4 where he boards and the plane takes off. Then there is part 5, 6 and 7. th-cam.com/video/3GrLjqJ9U0k/w-d-xo.html
My pre-flight brief always includes the circumstances for declaring an emergency, just so that it's been thought about before it actually happens. I usually brief (myself if solo or my passengers even if they're not aviators) that in the event of an in-flight engine failure, fire, control problem, unexpected weather or IMC that may cause me a problem, not being able to land with 30 mins (calculated) fuel in the tank and a medical emergency, I would declare an emergency (if there was time) and choose a suitable landing point dependent on the emergency. If the problem is rectified you can always downgrade the emergency or cancel it, but at least someone else knows there was a problem!
I believe my brother and his son (my nephew) were on it once too. I'll be asking him if this was the same B-17. Tragedy on so many levels, and hits close to home too.
vanstry. Yes, i know how that feels. Many years ago i flew with a DC-3 of the Dutch Dakota Association from Schiphol to Cambridge and back. Fantastic flight at 1000 ft alt. A few months later this beautiful airplane crashed at sea because of a broken 5 dollar part. Killing all 32 on board...
I came all the way from Australia with my Dad this August/September and went flying on a B17 from the Liberty foundation . It was the very best flying I have ever done, so sorry to hear what happened
Thank you Juan. Very sad and thoughts and prayers to all involved in this tragedy...Senator Blumenthal, a politician who never lets an opportunity to promote himself has already begun to jump to conclusions. Make no mistake, Blumenthal is less concerned with the souls on board and more concerned with his self promotion. He's despicable...thank you Juan for reporting the facts.
The crash occurred in Blumenthals district, so it would be widely considered rude for him not to express some sort of message. Here's what he posted on Twitter: "Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the victims. They & the public deserve to know the facts & causes of this tragic crash. I’m calling for an immediate National Transportation Safety Board investigation so we can get to the bottom of what happened & prevent future tragedies" "The NTSB should be on the scene as soon as possible, with assistance from other agencies like the FAA." "Vintage planes must be properly maintained & flown- & the NTSB must tell us whether this tragedy could have been prevented." I don't see any of that as "jumping to conclusions", just explaining what's happening. Perhaps a little redundant, as the NTSB is going to be there ASAP regardless, I imagine. Maybe I missed some other statement in another venue though.
Too late on the politicians! Saw one of those running his mouth last night on the news talking about more regulation on these type of aircraft. Also questioning why these types of plane should be allowed to carry passengers or if they should be allowed to fly period. I am very sad at the loss of life in this accident. My condolences to the families for their loss.
Thank you for the informative level headed reporting. I love your style of not over the top sensationalism we see in the main stream news. All the background info is refreshing. Thanks again: Tony V.
i was on a smoking break with my buddy when we saw this plane over woburn, first I thought it was a loud helicopter. then I saw this plane overhead. It didn't sound good, it was too loud but that might be because it is from last century so we thought it was so cool it still flying. It is sad to see they were carrying passengers. thoughts and prayers to the families.
They're still collecting information on anything witnesses saw or heard. I know it may seem redundant to info others have given or not like much, but please contact Connecticut state police or the NTSA as soon as possible to give them whatever information you can.
I rode in 9 o' 9 about 12 year's ago, one of the coolest things I've ever done. Plan on riding in more WW2 war birds so Senator Blumenthal can suck it.
Thank you Juan for this factual, non-sensationalized report on the horrific accident. I have looked these aircraft over many times at Oshkosh AirVenture and evening worked with a WWII pilot of these planes. I stand amazed at what those men accomplished for our freedom during the Second World War. Again, thank you for all you do! May their souls rest in piece and God stand by their families during the grieving process.
@coptafiel .... Thank you for the correction! I misstated the facts. I corrected my comment. My father was not physically able to serve in WWII with his eight brothers. He was deaf in one ear due to a childhood accident. So, he quit his job at home, moved to Nashville and worked at Vultee Aircraft where they built the wings for the P38. Most people today have no concept of the patriotism of that generation. Again, thank you.
I hear your frustration as Politicians clamor to ruin good things and important things. They are trying to do the same thing because of the dive boat tragedy out of Catalina.
Tonights news media made some comments about the 1987 crash of this airplane. I have to wonder, why would the news media do record checking that far back with their initial report? 33 years ago ! Also, the posture they made within the report seemed rather negative. Interesting how the media didn't mention the FAA flight standards as just as tough as any airline of today.
9 0 9 was in Houston in early 2018. I saw it on the ramp at Hooks Airport and immediately drove home, loaded up the family and went back to the airport. My young kids and I got to climb all around the inside. It was a great experience for all of us.... really sad to see this..... never a good day when lives are lost and a piece of aviation history is no more
thank you again ive listened to a few others trying to explain this and left me more confused you have cleared up all my questions again a fantastic explanation as usual thanks for sharing STUDENT PILOT ED
Im pretty sure it was 909 that I saw flying about a couple weeks ago, its a few times a year I can see them making laps, unmistakable sound and silhouette and that giant Boeing tail. Hoping a speedy recovery for the survivors and that the politicians stay politely seated.
Fred Schwarz At least Blumenthal put in his time serving his country in the National Guard. Served his full stint as well, rather than going AWOL. His claims about serving in Vietnam were very unfortunate and a mistake. He has corrected the record, and apologized for it.
Hillary Levenworth Sen. Blumenthal has been both outspoken and profuse in his praise for, and appreciation of, our armed service veterans. What more are you expecting?
@@MendTheWorld That he keep his opinions to the cause of the tragedy to himself until the next of kin are notified and the true cause of the accident are known via a thorough FAA investigation...and before you get all "Well he's a Senator" on us, please remember that a good senator lets those experts he leads do their job before he maliciously attempts to do it for them.
..this is so much more informative and concise, knowledgeable and objective, than the TV news stations with their clueless anchors and Barbie-doll reporters who don't know a B-17 from a 777....thank you for preparing and presenting this.....
Man my heart dropped when I heard about this, Initially i couldn't believe what I was hearing, my thoughts and prayers to the family's of t h e victims. Please keep us informed as things develope.
Thanks Juan. This is indeed a sad day, first and foremost for the souls lost, and then in the far background for the loss of another piece of aviation history and the ramifications this may mean for it's preservation.
“...before legislators start posturing”. Thats a no-shitter right there. Guarantee that some politician, be it local, state, or upward, makes this an opportunity to put a feather in their cap.
I noticed the speaker had to catch himself when he said that. Don't worry man, most of us watching are big boys and girls...and we get it. And you would be right.
A very historic aircraft here in the UK as the 8th air force had numerous bases here during the war effort and suffered huge losses! We have one left flying and a couple on static.Very sexy aircraft so a tragic accident for those involved. Very concise coverage as per. Len.
I flew in the Nine-O-Nine in the late 90's out of the Corvallis, OR. Airport. It was one of those bucket list things. One of the biggest thrills of my life. I have shed some tears today for the souls on board, and for the Nine-O-Nine. Gone but not forgotten.
Just so sad...I watched this plane a week prior fly past my house out of Worcester Ma .... so low and slow... and head west... said to my son let's go to Worcester and take a flight... but $ 400 a head out of my budget... it made flight almost on the hour for a couple of days... the colors painted so brilliant in the sun... a bitter end it's last flight ended in deaths.
In the Uk Only qualified Air commanding chiefs are allowed to fly the war birds, the only access to public flying is in a spit and a Taxi run on a MK4 Avro Lancaster.
@@iangoldsworthy2056 The man that was flying that plane had more B17 stick time than anybody else in history, over 5,000 hours, so if you're suggesting that someone from the UK was flying that plane this wouldn't have happened you're wrong, if that man couldn't recover from whatever happened I'd say no one in the world could have, if you're not suggesting that then perhaps you should choose your words more wisely before you get on a video about a tragedy such as this and post a comment like that, cause it sure as hell sounds like you're saying he was incompetent compared to someone from the UK.
@@dukecraig2402, the Brits think they have a better system than ours, and we think ours is better. Goes all the way back to 1776 and before. Some things are eternal. Doesn't stop us from being friends, however.
@@wcate8301 A comment like that on this video the day of this tragedy isn't about "different systems", it's an absolutely low class display of someone who's just being arrogant, there's several videos of a Spitfire splatting on a runway at an airshow and a video of a Mosquito doing the same thing at an airshow, and if I caught some American posting a smug comment like that I'd get on my motorcycle and go directly to the guy's house and pound him into the ground like a tent peg because it'd suggest to people all over the world that Americans are as ignorant as that pompous ass, how'd you like to be the family member of someone who was on that plane and read a smug little comment like that? Different systems my ass, that's an insult to the pilot and disrespectful to the people on that plane, using a tragedy like this to act superior.
I toured Nine O’Nine in 1995 when I was 12 years old. My grandma tried to buy me a ticket to go up in it but they were sold out for their last flight. It was restored beautifully, I remember it very vividly. Sad to hear this is eventually what happened to her and for the souls lost on board.
People that care for these aircraft love them and I believe they wouldn’t take upmost care of them. They take much pride in their work. So sad for family’s. Sometimes it’s just fate.
May God have grace on the survivors. Tragic. I was fortunate ,many times,to attend "A Warbird Gathering " at The National Warplane Museum in Geneseo NY. In 1994, for the 50th anniversary of the Normandy Invasion, they had every flying B17,but one. I believe there may have been 11 at that time. No words can describe the sound of all those radial engines firing up,taxiing down the grass runway,and taking flight. When they got into formation and flew overhead they played Amazing Grace. Major Goosebumps!!! It was one of those days you just want to relive. Rare as they are; they belong in the sky.
I was devastated to hear of this crash. hearing it on cnn I knew there wouldn't be any real ifo just speculation after speculation. I was waiting for you to put out clear and reliable up to date information. You didn't disappoint. Thank you.
Bob Young Unfortunate that this tragedy be used by some commentors here to bash and insult our free press, who work hard as a bulwark of democracy. I looked at stories on this crash on CNN, ABCNews, NYT, WaPo, WSJ, NPR, USA Today, and did not see a single statement that, to my eyes, represented "hype", "misresentation". Here's a link to the CNN story. could you please point out the "speculation after speculation". I'm really concerned about USA citizens joining our president in bashing the free press. I'm kinda partial to the First Amendment myself. This is a serious threat to our country. www-m.cnn.com/2019/10/02/us/connecticut-plane-crash-trnd/index.html?r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DB-17
Juan,
Thank you for that update and for explaining how the FAA regulates this type of aircraft. This is just a terrible tragedy.
On an aside my father was a B-29 navigator in USAAC/USAAF 1942-1945 in the Pacific. In the 1980s he gave me his original flight jacket with squadron insignia to keep for posterity (I have it hanging in a cedar closet in my home and I will give it to my son some day). He died in 2016 at age 94 and I miss him. My family has supported the rebuild of B-29 Doc thru the Friends of Doc.
God bless
Paul
So sorry for your loss. Mine passed away in April of this year at 96, he was a tank commander in Patton's 3rd Army. Soon they will all be gone. I'm glad you have your dads flight jacket.
My dad was a flight engineer on B-29Bs 502nd bomb group. Diamond H Guam.
Not a full update still refuses to call out the one thing that caused this accident the arrogance and ignorance of the pilot flying
This truly breaks my heart, Juan. I'm devastated by the loss of life. It is so sad. My condolences to the families and the friends of all who were lost. This is tragic.
When I moved my family to Connecticut, we moved to a little town called Newtown. We lived there for 5 years and then moved to Woodenville, WA. While we were in Connecticut, my wife worked for the city council for a time, and had a lot of friends who knew about the Collings Foundation. While we lived there, the Collings Foundation helped restore a very old pipe organ in the local church and I met several of the Foundation's members. What a fantastic group. One day after work, one of the members mentioned to me that Nine-0-Nine was going to be giving some flights to people who wanted to ride in a B-17G, and would I like to catch a ride?
Absolutely!! That Saturday, way before the crack of dawn, he picked me up, and we went to the airport. I had to sign a lot of legal documents and my fee was waived because I fixed the power supply for the controller for the organ at my electronics lab at my home.
We walked out to the tarmac and in about 10 minutes, here she came. The most gentle giant I've ever seen. Far and away the true example of a war bird, graceful and LOUD. Those 4 Wright Cyclones were incredibly loud in an almost musical way, singing their songs alone and together. You could feel them in your chest.
I ran my hand over the skin and felt her idling there, such power all in one machine. And the wind generated by those props was astounding, and at idle no less.
I brought my video camera and switched it on as soon as I saw her inbound for landing and didn't turn it off until we were ushered off the line and she took another group of excited passengers on their ride.
What a ride.. Takeoff was amazing, but not what you would expect. Just a rise in engine and prop noise and a gentile lift off, constant climb. We were then "cut loose" to roam about.
The B-17G has a surprisingly small inside space, at least when you are used to flying 737's or Airbus 320's. I went to the tail-gunner's position and found I was a bit overweight. Then, I made my way through the plane, said hello to the pilot and the co-pilot and the flight engineer and went forward to the bombardier's station. There were places to sit and those 4 huge props were right over your shoulders. The sound was incredible.
It was the Saturday, 4th of July, and we flew over Newtown and watched the parade through the city, the bands playing and the various groups marching through the city. Then we went off the the Northwest for a time, and I admired the view from where I was sitting, filming all the time. She was like riding a flying carpet.
Then the journey was over, sadly, and the landing was a squeaker, just perfection, and we finally had to de-plane.
I have the video, and now I will commit it to DVD and to MP4 so I can give it to my kids and my grandchildren. It was a flight of a lifetime, and I'm very devastated and in tears for the loss of life and a bird I flew in for a brief time, by what happened today, October 2, 2019. Godspeed the crew and passengers of Nine-0-Nine.
Nine-0-Nine involved in this accident was named for the original Nine-0-Nine which didn't escape the jaws of the metal scrapper, very much a tragic loss for all of us. The B-17 named Nine-0-Nine that flew in the war was one of the very few B-17's where not a single crew member was killed during her operations in the European theater. The Nine-0-Nine I flew in never went to Europe, but was utilized as you mentioned in this video. The Collings Foundation named her in honor of the B-17 Nine-0-Nine that flew in the war overseas. I always thought that was a very nice touch.
Prayers sent for all concerned and involved injured and passed. Totally agree with you. These war bird are important. I already watched one politician postering earlier this afternoon. Disgusting display. Let the FAA and NTSB do their work. Thank your for your excellent information.
I watched the afternoon news conference conducted by Bradley International Airport personnel and other aviation officials involved in the tragic B-17 crash. I have the utmost respect for those who spoke with the exception of Sen. Richard Blumenthal. The senator appeared 2/3rds of the way through the conference. He interrupts, takes the podium and it quickly becomes awkwardly obvious that he was using the tragedy to politically grandstand himself.
He no sooner takes the podium when he states he has contacted the NTSB and “called for” an investigation. Sorry Senator Blumenthal, but the NTSB investigates ALL aircraft accidents here in the US. Big ones, small ones, old and new and amazingly enough, even old B-17 ones! They certainly don’t need you to “demand” one. I don’t doubt that he called the head of the NTSB and threw is weight around. After all, he made absolutely sure we all knew the NTSB, “Reports to the Commerce Committee, which is one of my committees,” as if somehow that gave him some credibility. What was that all about?! At least part of my issue with the senator is just how clueless he is on what the NTSB does and how they work.
To top this all off, the wreckage had barely cooled down when Senator Blumenthal makes the misleading, biased and ill-informed statement, “I think there is a real need for scrutiny and oversight,” on these B-17 flights. I didn’t realize the they shut down the FAA and repealed all of the FAR’s! The senator is obviously clueless on the already robust regulatory requirements that are already in place here in the USA and apply to ALL aircraft. Imagine! Even B-17s!
Demanding more oversight is just par for the course for a pandering politician. Hey! I’ve, got a novel idea. Maybe we should wait and see exactly what transpired here before opening one’s mouth and inserting one’s foot all the way up to the knee cap!
The senator contributed zero to the conference. It was a disgrace to see him use the tragedy to further his political position.
Agree, that was such a stupid and ill-informed statement. Similar to some politicians in Hawaii a few months ago, calling for a ban to all helicopter tours because one crashed in a street.
'Poly' is Latin for 'Many', and Ticks are blood-sucking insects.
No surprise but still disappointing to see elected officials reminding us how important and entitled they are. The truth embarrasses them.
Darrell Jacob JR
😂😂😂😂
Ignorant and arrogant politicians are a poor mix with the depth & complexities of aviation..
Juan I echo how quickly you have been able to provide us with this information on the loss of 909. My prayers and condolences go to the family and friends who were lost and injured in this tragedy.
I flew in the Collings foundation B17 '909' twice. she will be dearly missed. PLEASE DONATE TO THE COLLINGS FOUNDATION.
You did an outstanding job of framing this type of operation. I hope, as do you, that this information can be transmitted to the “lawmakers” to educate them before they start down their usual general misrepresentation and laying waste to this type of operation. Keep up the good work.👍
Arthur, you said it just right. This was my favorite warbird. Hate to see it go, and others along with it.
Also hate to see legislators going off half cocked. We already have very ample regulations, as Juan reminded us.
Unfortunately the legislators are already starting in by grounding all aircraft falling into this category in Connecticut
Sounds like other issues where certain members of Congress will jump to conclusions before facts are released and then continue making their case despite the facts.
@@fyrman9092 Do you really think Congress worries about facts? I feel it is more about hype and media exposure.
MattHeaven I am not surprised with that idiot Blumenthal as the Senator! Not sure he’d be capable of being educated! I heard he was on GMA spouting off on them!
Thank you Juan for the hard work you put in to this piece, Condolences to those injured.
Richard Blumenthal is already talking about more government oversight. He mentioned that at the press conference on the day of the crash. It's ridiculous.
Wasn't Blumenthal the guy that bragged about his Vietnam service, but was never there? ( hope I am not confusing him with someone else.)
So sad. I grew up 2 towns away from Bradley Field. And the only time I ever saw a flying B-17 was in Hartford, when I came upon a B-17 landing at Brainard Airport in Hartford. So majestic an airplane. Thanks for this info.
Thanks Juan, your efforts are beyond measure . . . our condolences and prayers go out . . . Bob
Juan, I apologize for not making myself clear. My comment was not referring to the exemption to Part 91 allowing warbird pax ops. You explained that well. I was referring to your blanket statement about Part 91 where you say (referring to the Part you fly under with the Mighty Luscombe at at 7:55) that Part 91 is for "private flying, not for hire." This is incorrect. On the contrary, Part 91 *does* allow pax flights for hire, as long as it's for sightseeing within 25nm of the departure airport. Many a young CFI like myself got the occasional break in instructional flights to take members of the public on a sightseeing flight. Of course, you get more of these opportunities if you're based at a tourist spot, such as I was in HNL. I sold two new C207s to an operator who exclusively did around-the-island sightseeing flights, all under Part 91. Sightseeing flights with paying pax cross my house daily on Oahu.
Juan, FYI: The serial number prefix for AF aircraft including current procurement is normally the U.S. gov't fiscal year in which the procurement was funded. The aircraft which was lost today was delivered in April 1945 and did not see action. The war in Europe was over or virtually over when it rolled off the assembly line at Douglas Long Beach. The original, legendary, '909' was an early 'G' (42-31909) built by Boeing in Seattle before that plant was dedicated to production of the B-29.
Al the best to the families,from Belgium
More people have died in car crashes or from smoking cigarettes in one hour, and government officials are worried about obscure aviation incidents?.
This accident aside, it is amazing to imagine WW2 where >hundreds< of these aircraft were departing in formations and what a roar of radial engines that would be.
Please, out of respect for those who died and the loss of a warbird, don't make this political.
@Howie Felterbush I'm just saying that even mentioning politics can start some annoying arguments in comments
@Howie Felterbush Correct. Sad that we lost people, and some history.
Thanks for getting the info out so quickly!
Sad beyond words. Praying for family members and friends for peace.
Thoughts & Prayers to all effected by this tragic loss...
thanks juan for the insight, amen.
One went down and burned on a test flight because of a fuel leak in montgomery Illinois a few years back out by me. Only one person got hurt when they hit there head on the door jam getting out. Accidents happen, thats why we have regulations in place to minimise them the best we can. If theres something that can be learned from this, the regulations will be updated.
Sobering. Thanks Juan for the update.
I have flown in the 909 in 2004 and 2017. My heart is broken for everyone involved.
Very sad to hear this news and my sympathies go out to the families of those involved. I was up in the sister B-24 Witchcraft out of John Wayne in Santa Ana a few years back and thoroughly enjoyed the flight. Gave me an appreciation of what our airmen went through at altitude back in WWII...I can't really imagine what it like at 25000ft where the temps are -30. A sad day for historic aviation.
Ground loop ? Asymmetric power W/O proper trim ?
RIP everyone lost today
Juan, Great job!
As to demonitization due to sa* content, a warning flashed at the beginning might take care of that.
[Please see Vet Ranch on You Tube to see how they take care of it when they are showing live surgeries.]
Slight correction to the video: the aircraft never made it to the runway.
The NTSB also plans on issuing a preliminary report on the accident in about 10 days, she said. The NTSB will not provide a probable cause while conducting its investigation, Homendy said.
“We know that the crew circled back to Runway 6 and attempted to land on Runway 6,” she said. “They impacted the instrument landing system stanchions, the plane veered to the right, crossed over a grassy area, crossed over the taxiway and impacted a de-icing facility.”
Check out flight profile: flightaware.com/live/flight/N93012/history/20191002/1348Z/KBDL/KBDL?fbclid=IwAR2WzgbFOVia_hGtzMYE7jQVEzgEJQSKOzMVb-y2_t981cE5zqdoqJ5bNuU
After takeoff the pilot asked the tower to return to the airport with #4 out. Response was downwind for 6. Question, we may never know, is why didn't they declare an emergency and land on 33? Why keep going for 6 when 33 was right there, halfway on the downwind to 6? If you have an engine problem in the pattern and gained only 200', you get down ASAP.
According to audio transmissions of the moments before the crash, a pilot said he’d “like to return to the field.”
The controller said, “What’s the reason for coming back?”
“Number 4 engine, we’d like to return and blow it out.”
“You can proceed to runway 6 and you said you need an immediate landing?”
“When you get a chance yeah.”
“I just want to make sure because we have air traffic coming in can you go or do you need to be on the ground right now?”
The pilot clarified that he needed to land and the controller directed air traffic away from the airport.
After the crash, the controller calmly said, “Bradley airport is closed for an aircraft incident.”
Wonder if at the pilot's age - 75 - although very experienced, if the engine problem triggered a medical emergency that ended up causing the crash. I still wonder why on three engines it could not gain altitude and touched down 1,000 feet short. I've see photos of these planes so shot up it seemed impossible that the crews flew them back. -- Don't know if this was true but supposed communication between tower and crashing B-17 in England. Tower " do you need rescue vehicles?" Pilot "tower, not sure as we haven't finished crashing yet."
Prayers for all, very sad and tragic news!!
I am so devastated by this crash. My uncle recently was a passenger on this aircraft at a tour site. The glory it provided him of his war days for this country was priceless. This crash hits at the heart of so many that fought and gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. I am truly heartbroken. God please comfort the survivors (families) of this epic crash. Just hurt by the loss. Condolences to all.
Here, here!!
my uncle was on it and he died
For those that lost their lives in the accident, prayers for their families and friends. For those that hurting prayers for a speedy recovery. Thank you Juan for your update and explanation.
My heart goes out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives.
Absolutely remarkable how quickly blancolirio manages to produce his excellent videos. Rest in peace to those lost souls and thoughts and prayers to the family's of the victims.
This guy should be an aviation analyst for some media outlet or the other. He's GOOD.
@@martharetallick204 - I agree, he's the BEST! However, I'd prefer to keep him out of the clutches of the mainstream media machine. He needs to be FREE to report FACTS.
@@martharetallick204 Hi, were you related to Nora Retallick?
Sir: Juan stated in the Part 1 Video that ads would not be allowed.
@@chesterfinecat7588 Honestly Juan is anything but an ambulance chaser, he's an antidote to sensationalised mainstream media reporting, offering an in-depth look at the facts .
My brother and I were both on 909 when it crashed in 1987; I was 17 (the youngest and only female on board) and my brother was 19. My dad bought two tickets at $100 each and watched his only children go off the end of the runway that day. He grabbed a fuel truck (he and my mom were part owners in one of the flight schools on the field at the time - Stensin Aviation) and raced to the scene. Fortunately, there were no fatalities that day. The aircraft would undergo more than three years of volunteer restoration by Air Heritage, PIA (Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics), USAir and so many other unaffiliated enthusiasts. My best friend Donna and I volunteered and were assigned to work on the junction boxes and label miles of wiring. Many of my airport friends and I ate, slept and breathed that aircraft until it's departure, which there were no words to express how we felt watching it finally leave - only smiles, tears and hugs. Shortly afterwards, I became a captain for a regional airline and was pleasantly surprised to cross paths with 909 on many occasions. I enjoyed telling my story of 909 to my crew, ramp agents, ground handlers or anyone who would listen. It is with such a heavy heart that 909's story has to end this way.
Wow, Thanks Kelly!
Kelly Mapel I was scheduled to ride on it October 13 in Maryland - ticket was paid for $450.
Thank you Kelly for doing so much to help keep history alive for those of us that are lovers of aviation. Glad to see an accident did not keep you out of the air! Wonderful story, so nice of you to share it with us.
I was also there at BVI in 87 when 909 overan. I was 13 a the time. After HS, did my CCBC tour and did my training at Stensin. Small world.
Kelly, did you fly for Brockway Air out of DuBois? I was with Brockway out of Plattsburg, NY at the time. Thank you for your efforts on the grand old gal! She has touched so many lives over the years, including yours truly. It's hard to believe she's gone. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved.
I so much appreciate your posts like this. You have a way of separating the facts from the hype. Hopefully you will stop being harrassed by the censors at TH-cam.
I’d still fly in one of these if I had the chance. Seems important to keep them funded and operating.
me too!
I flew in Texas Raiders B17 last year and it was the best $450 I spent.
@@mdizzle93 I got a ride in collings B-24 when it was painted as the Dragon and his tail in 2000 and it was the best $350 I spent too! A ride in 909 was on my bucket list...…..Thanks to the Collings foundation for keeping warbirds flying and giving people the chance to experience a wonderful piece of our aviation history !
M18 Hellcat "we are not going to pay $xxx each for a 30 minute flight." For this I am truly thankful. The _last_ person I want sitting beside me on _any_ flight is one who views life in cost-per-minute terms. Equally undesirable is someone who feels the need to recruit me / humanity to that creepy point of view.
Al the best to the families,from Belgium
So sad to hear of this tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go out to the crew, passengers, families and friends. Many thanks to the Collings Foundation for keeping these beautiful machines flying. I flew in 909 a few years ago during their spring tour season. Had a great flight. They flew down the California coast at ~250ft. Pilots and crew were pleasant to chat with. Was able to squeeze into the nose and sit at the bombardiers’s position. How anyone wearing a parachute could squeeze thru that opening in a hurry is beyond me. After the flight I had a renewed appreciation for what our airman sacrificed during W2.
I had the same exact wonderful experience on Nine-O-Nine out of Moffett in California, an opportunity to touch history. My heart goes out to the passengers, crew and their families as they cope with this tragedy.
I've wondered the same thing regarding the tight quarters in some of these old military aircraft. I think part of the explanation is that most of the crew were very young, in good physical condition, and of small to medium size. My mother worked for Boeing in 1943 and was part of the crew building the tail turrets for the B17. She was about 5'1" tall and probably weighed about 100 lbs. She went from Boeing to the Women's Army Air Corp in 1944, and through the rest of the war. She told me that they also hired very small people, in the 4 to 5 foot range, to work inside the wings. The big guys just didn't fit!
When I was in Vietnam in the early '70s, I talked with a couple F4 pilots who said that the limit for "comfortable" fit was about 6'. Any taller, with long legs, and they had trouble firing the ejection seat. They couldn't move the seat back far enough to not hit their legs on the way up (out).
I've never heard of military aircraft being described as "comfortable!"
I don't think they wore the chutes at all times. Some of the positions, they had the chutes stored nearby, as yeah, there was just not enough room to work your station while wearing a chute
My favorite model airplane when I was a kid, even did a special report in 5th grade on the history of the B-17 so hearing this news today was heartbreaking for all involved.
I had a model of it myself. Revell, was it? I think so. Been so very long.
Joe Sterling that’s correct, retractable wheels and working flaps too!
@@joesterling4299 airfix had the G model, was silver and had the chin turret. revell was in camo and no chin turret and was perhaps a D or E model.
Condolences for the families of the people on board.
Thankyou for your reporting Juan
RIP to all who lost their lives in this tragedy.
I don't know anyone that was involved but I seriously have a tears in my eyes.
Thanks for the briefing Juan. Hope the politicians stay out of it.
This is prime feeding ground for stuffed shirt, hotair, full of bologna politicians. Getting TV time is all they think about.
What a shame for this to happen to the people who fly in this beautiful historical aircraft.
Thanks for the info, love your coverage on current events.
So sad on so many levels. Such a loss.
I heard one congressman yesterday saying these old aircraft shouldn’t be flying! What about all the USAF aircraft that are not that much younger still flying? B-52’s and KC-135’s to be specific. These aircraft that the USAF are still flying on missions every day, are being maintained generally by kids just out of High School! These old vintage warbirds are being maintained by mechanics that have years of experience! Give me the years of experience any day!
_Citation Needed_
Betting that congressman is much younger than the planes you mentioned that are flying...
Al the best to the families,from Belgium
@Tom Uhlig. I read awhile back of a young Air Force captain delivering a B52 to the boneyard, who reviewed the logs and discovered his granddad had delivered it from the factory. Sarah n'Dippity.
Erin McLaughlin no he wasn’t!
I sit on 2 Board of Directors of aviation organizations.
To cast ANY doubt on the frequency or quality of inspections/maintenance/airworthiness of these old Warbirds is grasping at straws.
Trust me when I say that the dedication exhibited every day to keeping them safe & flying is BY FAR superior to any program followed by a commercial airline.
The age(s) of these aircraft is irrelevant.
They are among the safest airplanes in the sky. Full Stop.
As with any machine, there are instances of failures that can contribute to failure, but the B-17 has a rock solid reputation of being one of the finest aircraft to ever fly, with a 75 year history to prove it.
This accident has hit us all very, very hard, and this crew was very close to some of my very close friends.
I think I can safely speak for the entire industry when I say that we are ALL heartbroken, and will wait for the report to be released before speculating about the cause.
God’s Speed to the friends & families of the lost Souls, and a full recovery to those that were injured.
You are all in our prayers.
While these war bird flights are probably more dangerous than commercial flights, I suspect the the drive to and from the airport is still the most dangerous part of the day for the people that fly in them.
I too wish the politicians would seek knowledge before posturing, but I suspect that's a pipe dream.
Condolences to all, appreciate the clear and detailed updates, as always.
So Sad, Been on this plane many times. Condolences to all the families and loved ones.
Ugh, I feel like I've been gut-punched. Thanks for the info, though, and condolences to the families of the crew and passengers.
Sad day in aviation.
Thank you Juan. I’m from Connecticut and I got more information from your 11 minute video than the non stop tv coverage from my local main stream new. So annoying the stupid questions and comments the reporters kept repeating for hours and hours.
I support the Collins Foundation they are a great outfit. Several years ago 909 suffered major hail damage and had to be reskinned. If I remember right Boeing stepped in with some help but I may be wrong. I have been on 909 two times and two times on the B-24 when it was the Dragon and His Tail as well as the B-25. It breaks my heart what happened, I will savor my photos forever. News report said 909 hit a stanchion right after it touched down and veered off to the right into the building. My condolences to all.
Collings Foundation- not wanting to be perdantic, just for those who wish to support.
@a10warthog61 Wrong about what? 909 has had several crashes including a collapsed landing gear that was in 1995, in fact it had 2 crashes in the 80's! Hail damage was 2008 or 09. Read the history!
Excellent reporting Juan. Right on top of it with great research on the history and FAR's that regulate this type of flying. You really should get some kind of award.
Thank you Juan. This seemed to effect so many, I know it did me. We owe much these war birds, those that designed and built them, maintained them, flew them. We are so fortunate to still have them around and flying, we cant afford to be ignorant of our history. Like so many times in our past it really hurts, when one of them goes in peacetime it seems worse. RIP to those who left us today.
I had a friend and fellow pilot (he's dead now) who was a B-17 pilot in WW-II. He actually made and survived 25 missions. He said that if they lost an outboard engine, they shut the opposing one down, feathered the prop and dumped all the weight they could, then it would fly home. If they lost an inboard engine, they could still control the ship with the opposing engine developing full power.
Thank you Jim Forman. RC-2574
This has been tearing my heart out all day long thinking about it. I can't even watch the mainstream news on this - they literally make me sick! 😡 They've become more aligned with Hollywood actors than any factual source of information. All I keep hearing is, "the thick black smoke, from the fuel", and " These airplanes are 70 years old". I want to reach through my TV and slap these morons! My heart aches for the families of those lost - I hope they're not watching the mainstream news for information on this. May God help them through this trying time.
I have lots of unanswered questions, as I'm sure everyone does. I had looked at runway 6 on Google Maps earlier in the day, and my speculation tells me either they landed very quickly, or lost control at those last few seconds on final. We'll find out soon enough, and that's neither here nor there - we unfortunately cannot turn back time. 😢
I sure hope legislators don't do anything stupid, like they normally do, with knee-jerk legislation after a tragedy. I look forward to this show every year. Seeing these warbirds fly over my property here brings me to tears of joy, thinking of all our Warriors of the Greatest Generation that braved harsh conditions, and life-threatening situations, and always went on the next mission without hesitation. I agree 100% with you, Juan - this precious history NEEDS to be preserved! I've learned more about these warbirds, thanks to the Collings Foundation, than I ever did in 12 years of public schooling. I'm praying for sanity in our government with regards to this incident. The living history of WWII needs to carry on for future generations.
Again, thank you for bringing some sanity to this whole incident, and thank you for the rapid response to it.
You can count on stupid laws.
Most of the main stream media have gone to "eye candy" as reporters. Brains not required, and in many cases discouraged
Once you see how the media reports subjects you know it becomes clear that they distort the truth about every topic..
Now think about what other things the media reports on for which they have no clue. I see it all the time.
What is not factual about "thick black smoke" or "70 years old" apart from the age being off a few years?
Thank you, Juan. Truly a sad day for aviation. The history is important for all of us to remember. RIP and condolences to all family and friends.
The TV talking heads were astounded that an aircraft this old was allowed to fly. I’m sure he’d have a heart attack if he knew how many Dakota’s are still flying. Falcon Field in Mesa is my home airport and where I had my flight training. It’s incredible to visit a vintage air show with men who flew the WW II fighters and bombers. We need to support those who maintain the aircraft that kept bus free. I would love to fly in the B-17, B-24 as well as the Lancaster and Mosquito. The Confederate Air Force maintained 6 Connie’s at Falcon but I never had the opportunity to fly aboard those beautiful machines.
Regarding the Hartford crash, 6 died the message just flashed across my screen. I feel great sympathy for the loved ones of those who lost their lives and for the injured.
I knew the pilor of the b17 very well.Iv e known him since i was little he was one of the ones that died i think today
I rode in 909 5 years ago out of Moffett Field, CA. It was worth every cent of the $450. I was inspired to ride in this great machine because I had a hospital room mate that was a B17 commander in WWII. His stories were spectacular with direction, airspeed and altitude locked into his memory. His name was Captain Stewart Greene. I shot video of every second of the pre-flight, flight and post flight.We were allowed to move around and look out every bubble and turret. This particular bird had a huge fuselage opening in front of the vertical stab, in the ceiling, that you could just stick your head up and have the air flow take your hat and glasses off !! My fear was that someday insurance reg's would stop the flight of these ancient birds. There are a very long series of videos on my channel of this historic bird flying from the inside and outside, if anyone cares. My deepest condolences to all involved.
I was curious about your flight. I hope you don't mind if I post your video. Here is part 4 where he boards and the plane takes off. Then there is part 5, 6 and 7. th-cam.com/video/3GrLjqJ9U0k/w-d-xo.html
As an ex ATC it always amazed me how reluctant pilots were to declare an emergency. It was like pulling teeth.
My pre-flight brief always includes the circumstances for declaring an emergency, just so that it's been thought about before it actually happens.
I usually brief (myself if solo or my passengers even if they're not aviators) that in the event of an in-flight engine failure, fire, control problem, unexpected weather or IMC that may cause me a problem, not being able to land with 30 mins (calculated) fuel in the tank and a medical emergency, I would declare an emergency (if there was time) and choose a suitable landing point dependent on the emergency.
If the problem is rectified you can always downgrade the emergency or cancel it, but at least someone else knows there was a problem!
Well, while you are sitting in your seat on the ground, the pilots may not have the luxury of time to chat with you as he/they fight for their lives.
@@azzir325 Aviate, Navigate, Communicate.
@@greggpedder Yes sir! First, and foremost: Fly the plane!
azzir325 Mayday Mayday Mayday is all ATC needs on the initial call. Explanations can come later.
I was a passenger in that airplane about ten years ago.
Me too. Mountain View California. The first time they were ever here.
Very fragile old aircraft. Tragic loss.
I believe my brother and his son (my nephew) were on it once too. I'll be asking him if this was the same B-17. Tragedy on so many levels, and hits close to home too.
vanstry. Yes, i know how that feels. Many years ago i flew with a DC-3 of the Dutch Dakota Association from Schiphol to Cambridge and back. Fantastic flight at 1000 ft alt. A few months later this beautiful airplane crashed at sea because of a broken 5 dollar part. Killing all 32 on board...
I came all the way from Australia with my Dad this August/September and went flying on a B17 from the Liberty foundation . It was the very best flying I have ever done, so sorry to hear what happened
Thank you Juan for this factual and respectful report on this tragic event.
Thank you Juan. Very sad and thoughts and prayers to all involved in this tragedy...Senator Blumenthal, a politician who never lets an opportunity to promote himself has already begun to jump to conclusions. Make no mistake, Blumenthal is less concerned with the souls on board and more concerned with his self promotion. He's despicable...thank you Juan for reporting the facts.
The crash occurred in Blumenthals district, so it would be widely considered rude for him not to express some sort of message. Here's what he posted on Twitter: "Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the victims. They & the public deserve to know the facts & causes of this tragic crash. I’m calling for an immediate National Transportation Safety Board investigation so we can get to the bottom of what happened & prevent future tragedies" "The NTSB should be on the scene as soon as possible, with assistance from other agencies like the FAA." "Vintage planes must be properly maintained & flown- & the NTSB must tell us whether this tragedy could have been prevented."
I don't see any of that as "jumping to conclusions", just explaining what's happening. Perhaps a little redundant, as the NTSB is going to be there ASAP regardless, I imagine. Maybe I missed some other statement in another venue though.
Folks will be compelled to listen to a Vietnam war hero.
@@Graham_Wideman blumenthall is an ass!!
Too late on the politicians! Saw one of those running his mouth last night on the news talking about more regulation on these type of aircraft. Also questioning why these types of plane should be allowed to carry passengers or if they should be allowed to fly period. I am very sad at the loss of life in this accident. My condolences to the families for their loss.
Thank you for the informative level headed reporting. I love your style of not over the top sensationalism we see in the main stream news. All the background info is refreshing. Thanks again: Tony V.
Sad day for us here in Connecticut
i was on a smoking break with my buddy when we saw this plane over woburn, first I thought it was a loud helicopter. then I saw this plane overhead. It didn't sound good, it was too loud but that might be because it is from last century so we thought it was so cool it still flying. It is sad to see they were carrying passengers. thoughts and prayers to the families.
just curious, can you describe the sound that appeared bad?
They're still collecting information on anything witnesses saw or heard. I know it may seem redundant to info others have given or not like much, but please contact Connecticut state police or the NTSA as soon as possible to give them whatever information you can.
If it had short droning noise, or popping and strangled then its a engine problem.
Woburn? Yesterday? You sure about this? Woburn is north of Boston.
a10warthog61
I don’t think he was talking about the day of the accident.
I rode in 9 o' 9 about 12 year's ago, one of the coolest things I've ever done. Plan on riding in more WW2 war birds so Senator Blumenthal can suck it.
Thank you Juan for this factual, non-sensationalized report on the horrific accident. I have looked these aircraft over many times at Oshkosh AirVenture and evening worked with a WWII pilot of these planes. I stand amazed at what those men accomplished for our freedom during the Second World War. Again, thank you for all you do! May their souls rest in piece and God stand by their families during the grieving process.
@coptafiel .... Thank you for the correction! I misstated the facts. I corrected my comment. My father was not physically able to serve in WWII with his eight brothers. He was deaf in one ear due to a childhood accident. So, he quit his job at home, moved to Nashville and worked at Vultee Aircraft where they built the wings for the P38. Most people today have no concept of the patriotism of that generation. Again, thank you.
I hear your frustration as Politicians clamor to ruin good things and important things.
They are trying to do the same thing because of the dive boat tragedy out of Catalina.
I saw a story headline on his, and knew Juan would cover it with better detail and insight.
Tonights news media made some comments about the 1987 crash of this airplane. I have to wonder, why would the news media do record checking that far back with their initial report? 33 years ago ! Also, the posture they made within the report seemed rather negative. Interesting how the media didn't mention the FAA flight standards as just as tough as any airline of today.
9 0 9 was in Houston in early 2018. I saw it on the ramp at Hooks Airport and immediately drove home, loaded up the family and went back to the airport. My young kids and I got to climb all around the inside. It was a great experience for all of us.... really sad to see this..... never a good day when lives are lost and a piece of aviation history is no more
So sad. I was flying skydivers on Long Island this morning.
thank you again ive listened to a few others trying to explain this and left me more confused you have cleared up all my questions again a fantastic explanation as usual thanks for sharing STUDENT PILOT ED
The fact that anyone survived is a testament to the airworthiness of the B-17.
This one hits close to home Juan, literally. I'm 6NM SW of KBDL. Thank you for covering this. Sad day here in CT...
Im pretty sure it was 909 that I saw flying about a couple weeks ago, its a few times a year I can see them making laps, unmistakable sound and silhouette and that giant Boeing tail. Hoping a speedy recovery for the survivors and that the politicians stay politely seated.
That famous Viet Nam vet--Senator Blumenthal--is already posturing about this.
Fred Schwarz At least Blumenthal put in his time serving his country in the National Guard. Served his full stint as well, rather than going AWOL. His claims about serving in Vietnam were very unfortunate and a mistake. He has corrected the record, and apologized for it.
Thanks again for this follow-up and your coverage of this tragedy.
Wow Amazing. Thanks again for your knowledge and ability to explain a very difficult issue.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the lost. A truly tragic loss of life and a beautiful aircraft.
I do wish Blumenthal takes a moment to thank a B-17 veteran for his safety during and after WW2.
Hillary Levenworth Sen. Blumenthal has been both outspoken and profuse in his praise for, and appreciation of, our armed service veterans. What more are you expecting?
@@MendTheWorld That he keep his opinions to the cause of the tragedy to himself until the next of kin are notified and the true cause of the accident are known via a thorough FAA investigation...and before you get all "Well he's a Senator" on us, please remember that a good senator lets those experts he leads do their job before he maliciously attempts to do it for them.
@@hillarylevenworth8824 well put!!
..this is so much more informative and concise, knowledgeable and objective, than the TV news stations with their clueless anchors and Barbie-doll reporters who don't know a B-17 from a 777....thank you for preparing and presenting this.....
Man my heart dropped when I heard about this, Initially i couldn't believe what I was hearing, my thoughts and prayers to the family's of t h e victims.
Please keep us informed as things develope.
May God comfort the families of the victims. My sincerest condolences.
Thanks Juan. This is indeed a sad day, first and foremost for the souls lost, and then in the far background for the loss of another piece of aviation history and the ramifications this may mean for it's preservation.
Terrible. I got to see this aircraft when it visited Beverly MA last month. I have pictures of it flying over my house too.
“...before legislators start posturing”. Thats a no-shitter right there. Guarantee that some politician, be it local, state, or upward, makes this an opportunity to put a feather in their cap.
I noticed the speaker had to catch himself when he said that. Don't worry man, most of us watching are big boys and girls...and we get it. And you would be right.
A very historic aircraft here in the UK as the 8th air force had numerous bases here during the war effort and suffered huge losses! We have one left flying and a couple on static.Very sexy aircraft so a tragic accident for those involved. Very concise coverage as per. Len.
I flew in the Nine-O-Nine in the late 90's out of the Corvallis, OR. Airport. It was one of those bucket list things. One of the biggest thrills of my life. I have shed some tears today for the souls on board, and for the Nine-O-Nine. Gone but not forgotten.
Just so sad...I watched this plane a week prior fly past my house out of Worcester Ma .... so low and slow... and head west... said to my son let's go to Worcester and take a flight... but $ 400 a head out of my budget... it made flight almost on the hour for a couple of days... the colors painted so brilliant in the sun... a bitter end it's last flight ended in deaths.
You can bet the FAA's gonna put and end to flights on these old war birds, everything about this is a tragedy in more ways then I know how to express.
In the Uk Only qualified Air commanding chiefs are allowed to fly the war birds, the only access to public flying is in a spit and a Taxi run on a MK4 Avro Lancaster.
@@iangoldsworthy2056
The man that was flying that plane had more B17 stick time than anybody else in history, over 5,000 hours, so if you're suggesting that someone from the UK was flying that plane this wouldn't have happened you're wrong, if that man couldn't recover from whatever happened I'd say no one in the world could have, if you're not suggesting that then perhaps you should choose your words more wisely before you get on a video about a tragedy such as this and post a comment like that, cause it sure as hell sounds like you're saying he was incompetent compared to someone from the UK.
@@dukecraig2402, the Brits think they have a better system than ours, and we think ours is better. Goes all the way back to 1776 and before. Some things are eternal. Doesn't stop us from being friends, however.
@@wcate8301
A comment like that on this video the day of this tragedy isn't about "different systems", it's an absolutely low class display of someone who's just being arrogant, there's several videos of a Spitfire splatting on a runway at an airshow and a video of a Mosquito doing the same thing at an airshow, and if I caught some American posting a smug comment like that I'd get on my motorcycle and go directly to the guy's house and pound him into the ground like a tent peg because it'd suggest to people all over the world that Americans are as ignorant as that pompous ass, how'd you like to be the family member of someone who was on that plane and read a smug little comment like that?
Different systems my ass, that's an insult to the pilot and disrespectful to the people on that plane, using a tragedy like this to act superior.
I toured Nine O’Nine in 1995 when I was 12 years old. My grandma tried to buy me a ticket to go up in it but they were sold out for their last flight. It was restored beautifully, I remember it very vividly. Sad to hear this is eventually what happened to her and for the souls lost on board.
People that care for these aircraft love them and I believe they wouldn’t take upmost care of them. They take much pride in their work. So sad for family’s. Sometimes it’s just fate.
Prayers for all involved, I pray DC does not take these birds away from the General Public
Won't happen.
May God have grace on the survivors. Tragic. I was fortunate ,many times,to attend "A Warbird Gathering " at The National Warplane Museum in Geneseo NY. In 1994, for the 50th anniversary of the Normandy Invasion, they had every flying B17,but one. I believe there may have been 11 at that time. No words can describe the sound of all those radial engines firing up,taxiing down the grass runway,and taking flight. When they got into formation and flew overhead they played Amazing Grace. Major Goosebumps!!! It was one of those days you just want to relive. Rare as they are; they belong in the sky.
the sound of freedom!!!!
I was devastated to hear of this crash. hearing it on cnn I knew there wouldn't be any real ifo just speculation after speculation. I was waiting for you to put out clear and reliable up to date information. You didn't disappoint. Thank you.
Why were you watching CCN? When you have the BNN [ Blancolirio News Network?
@@lakewoodsteve5028; I know : ( (shoulders slump).
@@bobyoung241 For the sake of your sanity stay away from Toxic News Networks! Brother
@@lakewoodsteve5028; Yes, I think a couple more IQ points dropped wile listening to them debate weather or not an Air force pilot would be flying it.
Bob Young Unfortunate that this tragedy be used by some commentors here to bash and insult our free press, who work hard as a bulwark of democracy. I looked at stories on this crash on CNN, ABCNews, NYT, WaPo, WSJ, NPR, USA Today, and did not see a single statement that, to my eyes, represented "hype", "misresentation".
Here's a link to the CNN story. could you please point out the "speculation after speculation". I'm really concerned about USA citizens joining our president in bashing the free press. I'm kinda partial to the First Amendment myself. This is a serious threat to our country. www-m.cnn.com/2019/10/02/us/connecticut-plane-crash-trnd/index.html?r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DB-17