The Most Feared Plane but Not by the Enemy

During World War II, a variety of aircraft were developed and used for different missions, each with its unique design and purpose. However, not all planes were beloved by the crews who flew them. One of the most dreaded planes of the war was the C-87 Liberator Express. This aircraft, a transport version of the B-24 bomber, gained a notorious reputation not because of the enemy, but because of its own dangerous handling, technical issues, and high crash rate. Despite these problems, the C-87 was vital in transporting troops, cargo, and even VIPs across hostile skies. This plane became essential to the war effort, but those who flew it often feared for their lives.

The Origins of the C-87 Liberator Express

The C-87 Liberator Express was born from the necessity to adapt the B-24 Liberator bomber into a transport aircraft. The B-24 itself was a heavy bomber with an excellent range and high payload capacity, but the U.S. military needed more planes to transport equipment, supplies, and personnel. As a result, the C-87 was created by modifying the B-24’s design, removing its heavy armament and bomb racks to make room for cargo and passengers. While the idea was practical, the execution revealed serious flaws.

The first C-87s were introduced in 1942, and they quickly became known for their ability to carry a large amount of cargo across long distances. It had a range of over 2,000 miles and could reach speeds of up to 300 miles per hour. However, while these features were impressive on paper, the reality of flying the C-87 proved far more hazardous.

Dangerous Handling and Poor Design

One of the biggest problems with the C-87 was its handling. Pilots often complained that the aircraft was difficult to control, especially during takeoffs and landings. Unlike other transport planes of the time, the C-87 had a high center of gravity and was prone to nose-over accidents when landing on rough or uneven runways. This issue made landing the plane on makeshift airfields in remote areas even more dangerous, as the slightest mistake could cause the aircraft to flip.

Furthermore, the C-87 was notorious for its poor stability in the air. Even in relatively calm weather, the plane had a tendency to shake and wobble, making it uncomfortable and nerve-wracking for both pilots and passengers. Turbulence, which was common during long flights, could make the plane feel completely out of control. This instability was due in part to the modifications made to the original B-24 design, which compromised the plane’s aerodynamic balance.

High Crash Rate

The C-87 earned its reputation as one of the most dangerous planes of World War II largely due to its high crash rate. Many factors contributed to this, including mechanical issues, poor design, and the challenges of flying over dangerous territories. Engine failures were not uncommon, and the plane’s electrical system was unreliable. These mechanical problems often forced crews to make emergency landings in difficult terrain, where the chances of survival were slim.

In addition to its mechanical flaws, the C-87 was vulnerable to bad weather. Its bulky design made it difficult to fly through storms, and the plane was not equipped with advanced navigational aids, making it more susceptible to accidents during long flights over unfamiliar territory. The Allied pilots who flew these missions often had to cross dangerous skies, including the Himalayas, where unpredictable weather, strong winds, and freezing temperatures made flying extremely risky.

Essential Role in the War Effort

Despite its many flaws, the C-87 played a crucial role in the war. The U.S. military relied on it to transport troops, cargo, and important supplies across vast distances. The plane’s long range made it suitable for missions in remote and isolated areas, where other transport planes would have struggled to reach. This was especially important in the Pacific and China-Burma-India theaters, where supply lines were stretched across thousands of miles of hostile territory.

The C-87 was also used to carry VIPs, including high-ranking military officials and government personnel. It was not uncommon for prominent figures to be transported in the same plane that terrified the airmen who flew it. Some modifications were made to create a more comfortable interior for these passengers, but the underlying safety issues of the C-87 remained the same. In fact, one of the most famous VIPs to fly aboard the C-87 was Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who used the aircraft during her goodwill tour to visit American troops stationed abroad.

A Reputation That Endured

The fear surrounding the C-87 didn’t fade after the war. The stories of its dangers persisted among those who had flown it. The pilots who had the unenviable task of flying the C-87 learned to navigate its flaws and survive its many challenges. Yet, many would later recall it as one of the most terrifying planes they had ever flown. There were instances of crews refusing to fly the C-87 due to its reputation, choosing instead to transfer to other, safer aircraft.

Although it never gained the same level of fame as some of the war’s more iconic planes, the C-87’s unique place in World War II history is undeniable. Its role in transporting essential supplies and personnel helped support the Allied war effort, even as it remained one of the most feared aircraft by those who flew it.

While the C-87 was never popular with its crews, it remained in service throughout the war, gradually being replaced by safer and more reliable transport aircraft as the war progressed. By the end of the conflict, many C-87s were scrapped, their legacy as a dangerous but necessary tool in the Allied victory quietly fading into history.