The Horrifying End of a Luftwaffe Super Ace

On November 8, 1944, Walter Nowotny, the Luftwaffe’s top-scoring ace, rushed to his Messerschmitt Me 262. In his haste, he forgot the lucky trousers that had accompanied him through over 250 victories.

Strapped into his jet fighter, the Me 262’s engines refused to start. Ground crew intervention finally ignited the turbines, and Nowotny took off to join the fray. Moments later, his voice cut through the airwaves: “I’m on fire.”

Near-Death Experience

Walter Nowotny’s path to becoming the Luftwaffe’s top ace nearly ended early. On July 19, 1941, while flying his 24th mission with the Devil Squadron, the 20-year-old downed several Soviet biplanes in his Me Bf 109.

Shortly after, his engine was hit, and he crash-landed deep behind enemy lines. To avoid capture, he paddled a life raft toward the Baltic Sea. On the third day, exhausted, he reached the shore and collapsed.

Combat Days

During his combat career, Nowotny wore the same trousers from his harrowing survival in the Gulf of Riga, believing they brought him luck. After recovering, he returned to action, ending 1941 with 10 victories.

His skill skyrocketed in 1942, becoming an “ace in a day” by downing five Soviet aircraft in one mission. On August 2, he outdid himself, shooting down seven enemies in a single day. By fall, after achieving 56 victories, Nowotny was promoted to Staffelkapitän of JG 54.

Victory After Victory

In January 1943, JG 54 transitioned to Fw 190s, which gave Luftwaffe pilots a critical edge. Nowotny’s victories soared, averaging more than two enemy planes per day. By June 15, 1943, he had 100 confirmed kills. That summer, he set a stunning pace, downing 49 aircraft in one month.

In September 1943, after 189 confirmed kills, he received the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves from Hitler. Following his 215th victory, Nowotny became the Luftwaffe’s highest-scoring ace. By November 15, 1943, he had 255 confirmed kills, with 50 more unconfirmed. Due to the risks he faced, Nowotny was pulled from combat, touring Germany to boost morale.

Setbacks

In September 1944, Nowotny was appointed to command a specialist unit flying the revolutionary yet problematic Me 262 jets from Osnabrück.

The unit faced not only enemy aircraft but also constant mechanical issues and the challenge of pioneering jet warfare tactics. Despite the Me 262’s promise, operational setbacks were frequent.

A Tragic End

On November 8, 1944, as generals criticized the Luftwaffe’s fighting spirit, news came of a large Allied bomber formation. Two pairs of Me 262s were scrambled. In his hurry, Nowotny made a fateful mistake—he forgot his lucky trousers. The mission unraveled from the start, with his wingmen retreating under heavy fire.

Nowotny found himself alone, attacking bombers under impossible odds. He downed two enemy planes, but one of his engines failed, leaving him vulnerable. His final transmission, “I’m on fire,” echoed through the radio. Moments later, his Me 262 spiraled and crashed. Whether he was downed by enemy fire or betrayed by his engine remains a mystery of World War II.