Narrative:
Shot down during Rhein crossing (Operation Varsity). The airplane was towing two Horsas to Wesel, Germany. The gliders were released before the airplane dived into ground. Four occupants bailed out safely.
| Status: | |
| Date: | Saturday 24 March 1945 |
| Type: |  Douglas C-47A-80-DL (DC-3) |
| Operator: | United States Army Air Force - USAAF |
| Registration: | 43-15618 |
| MSN: | 20084 |
| First flight: | 1944 |
| Engines: | 2 Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92 |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 4 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 5 |
| Aircraft damage: | Damaged beyond repair |
| Location: | NE of Wesel ( Germany)
|
| Phase: | En route (ENR) |
| Nature: | Military |
| Departure airport: | Brétigny-sur-Orge Advanced Landing Ground A-48 (LFPY), France |
| Brétigny-sur-Orge Advanced Landing Ground A-48 (LFPY), France |
Shot down during Rhein crossing (Operation Varsity). The airplane was towing two Horsas to Wesel, Germany. The gliders were released before the airplane dived into ground. Four occupants bailed out safely.
Sources:
» MACRPhotos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Brétigny-sur-Orge Advanced Landing Ground A-48 to Brétigny-sur-Orge Advanced Landing Ground A-48 as the crow flies is 19871 km (12419 miles).
Accident location: Approximate; accuracy within a few kilometers.
Distance from Brétigny-sur-Orge Advanced Landing Ground A-48 to Brétigny-sur-Orge Advanced Landing Ground A-48 as the crow flies is 19871 km (12419 miles).
Accident location: Approximate; accuracy within a few kilometers.
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
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