B-24D 41-23855 crash in White Mountains Arizona on September 11 1942

Civil Air Patrol spots missing B-24 in White Mountains

Returning to Davis-Monthan from a navigational training flight, B-24D (41-23855) with ten men onboard, crashed into the White Mountains, Arizona. Salvage crews wrestled most of the big bomber off the mountain, but scattered debris still remains at the crash site.

The Liberator left Davis-Monthan on a navigational flight to Omaha, Nebraska. The first leg of the flight was successful. The return flight began at approximately 2330 CWT (Central War Time). Rough weather was encountered along the Arizona/New Mexico border. The ceiling was down to 6,000 feet. Mt. Baldy rises to over 11,000 feet. Off course by 30 miles and flying through bad weather, the bomber crashed into Mt. Baldy. It would take several days before a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) plane located the wreckage.

Fatally injured:

Earl. E. Snell
Blair B. Knudson
A. W. Dwyer
J. L. Easton
William H. Prunty
Jack W. Horton
Gene M. Hirtsch
Donald L. Miller
J. R. Cerwenka
Melvin Harry Davis

B-24D similar to the one that crashed in the White Mountains, Arizona. U.S. Air Force photo.

Headset at crash site.

Scattered debris among the fallen trees.

Consolidated B-24D 42-40092, U.S. Air Force photo

Weathered cross at the crash site. “Our Beloved Brother CAPTAIN DWYER AAF Sept 11 1942.”

On the left is what appears to be the impeller from the turbosupercharger. On the right is part of landing gear.

Nose gear