Watch a Douglas A-20 Havoc “Fancy Pants” Wheels-Up Landing in Italy, 1944
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In the late of 1944, the Allied forces were deeply engaged in intense operations across Italy. One aircraft that played a crucial role during this period was the Douglas A-20 Havoc, a light bomber used by the United States Army Air Forces. The A-20, nicknamed “Havoc,” was renowned for its versatility, serving in various roles such as bombing, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions. Among the numerous aircraft in the Allied arsenal, one particular A-20, known as “Fancy Pants,” gained recognition for a remarkable incident in Italy that year.
“Fancy Pants” and the Italy Incident
“Fancy Pants” was a Douglas A-20G, a variant designed primarily for ground attack with a solid nose housing an array of .50-caliber machine guns. The aircraft had been in service since the early 1940s, proving to be a reliable and effective tool for the Allied forces. In the hands of skilled pilots, the A-20 Havoc became a formidable weapon against Axis forces in both the European and Pacific theaters.
The incident involving “Fancy Pants” occurred during a mission over Italy. The aircraft, piloted by an experienced crew, had completed its operation and was returning to base when they encountered a critical problem. The landing gear malfunctioned, leaving the crew with no choice but to attempt a wheels-up landing. This type of landing, often referred to as a belly landing, is a dangerous maneuver that requires precise control and nerves of steel.
As the video footage shows, “Fancy Pants” approached the runway with its landing gear retracted, gliding smoothly over the ground before making contact. The aircraft slid along the runway on its belly, sending sparks flying but avoiding any major damage to the airframe. The crew managed to execute the landing perfectly, escaping without injury. This event highlighted the durability of the A-20 Havoc and the exceptional skill of the crew.
