5 Crash Sites of Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Around The World

Across the skies of World War II fluttered one of the most recognized bombers, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. A symbol of the air campaign by American forces, this aircraft found its way into the war theaters of Europe and the Pacific, contributing significantly to the aerial warfare of its time. While many of these aircraft completed their missions and returned to base, some did not make it home. Throughout the world, remnants of B-17s still rest, scattered and preserved, offering a glimpse into the past. As we explore a handful of the sites where these aging warriors came to rest, we pay homage to their history and the crews who served within them.

1. Queensland, Australia – Bakers Creek B-17C 40-2072

On June 14, 1943, the soil of Bakers Creek became the final resting place for a B-17C with the serial number 40-2072. This tragic crash claimed the lives of 40 individuals, marking it as a solemn site of remembrance. Decades have passed since the incident, and the location is now referred to as Pacific Wrecks – an area engulfed in silence with only the whispers of history echoing the valor of fallen heroes. The aircraft, that once soared vigorously across the skies, now lies dormant, symbolizing the sacrifice of the crew.

2. Vis Island, Croatia – B-17G 44-6630

Off the serene coast of Vis Island, under the Adriatic Sea, rests the wreckage of a B-17G, serial number 44-6630. Lost on November 6, 1944, its story slipped beneath the waves, becoming part of Croatia’s underwater heritage. The site is now under the care of Diving Center Croatia, where divers can venture into the depths to come face-to-face with a piece of World War II’s airborne story. The bomber’s remnants now mingle with sea life, the ocean’s currents continually shaping its historic silhouette against the backdrop of marine tranquility.

3. Corsica, France – Calvi Bay B-17G 42-31044

In the fascinating underwater environment of Calvi Bay, a B-17G with the serial 42-31044 found its watery grave. On February 14, 1944, as the world celebrated love, this Fortress succumbed to the sea. Now known among divers as Dive The World, the site offers an unforgettable underwater exploration where the once fierce bomber lies subdued by the tides. The B-17’s remains are enveloped by the Mediterranean, creating a surreal museum honoring the aircrews’ courage and the cost of conflict.

4. Near Narsak Fjord, Greenland – B-17E 41-9090

Close to Narsak Fjord in Greenland’s icy embrace, the B-17E, serial 41-9090, succumbed to the arctic waters after ditching on June 27, 1942. Known as the ‘Sooner’, the bomber’s remains once carried a civil registration (N3142U) and have attracted adventurers who attempted recovery in July 1999. Despite these efforts, the location, often referred to as Greenland Air Crash, still cradles the aircraft, leaving it untouched and hidden beneath the cold surface – a solemn reminder of its crew’s fight for survival in the harsh elements.

5. Egedesminde, Greenland – B-17E 41-9108 ‘Alabama Exterminator

The B-17E known as ‘Alabama Exterminator’, bearing the serial number 41-9108, now sits as a grim reminder of resilience and the unpredictable Arctic challenges. Photographed by a survey and mapping team before the war’s end, its wreckage remains at Egedesminde, Greenland, a testament to the severe weather and winter hardships it endured since its crash on June 26, 1942.