5 of the Most Hated Aircraft Flown by U.S. Pilots During WWII

During World War II, American pilots had to adapt to a wide variety of aircraft, some of which were plagued with design flaws or performance issues that made them deeply unpopular. These aircraft, despite their intended roles, fell short of pilot expectations and posed serious challenges in combat. Here are five planes that gained a reputation among U.S. pilots for being particularly disliked during the war, ranked from the least to the most despised.

5. Douglas TBD Devastator

The Douglas TBD Devastator served as the U.S. Navy’s primary torpedo bomber when World War II began. In the 1930s, it was considered advanced, but by 1941, it was outdated. Its slow speed made it vulnerable to faster enemy fighters, and its limited range reduced its usefulness in the expansive Pacific theater. As newer planes entered the war, the Devastator’s weaknesses became more evident.

One of the most tragic moments for the TBD occurred during the Battle of Midway in 1942. The Devastators of Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8) launched a daring attack on Japanese carriers, but without fighter support, they were shot down in large numbers. The attack failed to inflict damage on the enemy, and the loss of nearly all the planes highlighted just how outdated the Devastator had become. Many pilots who flew it knew they were at a disadvantage, leading to its quick replacement by more modern models like the TBF Avenger.

4. Lockheed P-38 Lightning (in the European Theater)

The Lockheed P-38 Lightning was a unique twin-boom fighter known for its long range and speed. It performed well in the Pacific Theater, where its twin-engine design was an advantage over open ocean distances. However, it faced significant challenges in the European theater, where pilots encountered colder climates. The P-38’s turbochargers, which boosted its performance, often malfunctioned in cold conditions, leading to power losses at high altitudes.

This made the P-38 less effective against German fighters, which frequently engaged at high altitudes. Pilots found it difficult to keep up with faster enemy planes like the Fw 190 and Bf 109. Additionally, the P-38 had compressibility issues during high-speed dives, making it hard to pull out of steep dives safely. While it remained a valuable aircraft in the Pacific, many U.S. pilots in Europe preferred other fighters like the P-51 Mustang, which was more reliable under those conditions.

3. Curtiss SB2C Helldiver

The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver was meant to replace the well-regarded Douglas SBD Dauntless as the Navy’s main dive bomber, but its reception among pilots was far less enthusiastic. The Helldiver had a larger, bulkier design, which made it difficult to maneuver, especially during dives when precision was critical. Pilots found the plane less stable than its predecessor, making it challenging to deliver accurate bombing runs.

The Helldiver also suffered from reliability issues, including problems with its landing gear and hydraulic systems. These mechanical troubles meant the plane was often grounded for repairs, which frustrated maintenance crews. Although later versions fixed some of the worst flaws, the Helldiver’s reputation for poor handling and frequent breakdowns earned it the nickname “The Beast.” It did eventually contribute to the U.S. Navy’s efforts in the Pacific, but it never became popular among the pilots who flew it.

2. Bell P-39 Airacobra

The Bell P-39 Airacobra featured a distinctive design, with its engine mounted in the middle of the fuselage, behind the pilot. This design aimed to improve balance and maneuverability, but in practice, it came with significant drawbacks. One of the most criticized aspects of the P-39 was its lack of a turbocharger, which severely limited its performance at high altitudes. This made it a poor choice for air combat over Europe, where engagements often took place at higher elevations.

The unusual engine placement also made the plane challenging to fly. Pilots had to be careful with certain maneuvers, as the aircraft could become unstable and enter a spin if pushed too hard. These handling difficulties, combined with its limitations at altitude, made the Airacobra less popular among U.S. pilots. It did find a better fit with Soviet forces, who used it in low-altitude combat on the Eastern Front, but for many American pilots, it remained a plane to be avoided when possible.

1. Brewster SB2A Buccaneer

The Brewster SB2A Buccaneer tops the list as one of the most disliked aircraft by U.S. pilots during World War II. Intended as a scout bomber, the Buccaneer failed to meet the expectations set for it. It suffered from significant design flaws that made it heavy and sluggish. The aircraft’s underpowered engine further reduced its speed and maneuverability, making it unsuitable for the fast-paced needs of combat.

Pilots found the SB2A frustratingly slow and hard to control, especially during tight turns or evasive maneuvers. It lacked the agility necessary for survival in combat, making it an easy target for enemy fighters. In addition to these performance problems, the Buccaneer’s build quality was poor, leading to frequent maintenance needs. This meant that it was often kept on the ground rather than in the air, further highlighting its impracticality as a combat aircraft. Many units relegated the Buccaneer to training roles, as it was deemed too risky to use in actual combat situations. The combination of poor design and low performance solidified its reputation as one of the least favored aircraft of the war.