The Unplanned Plane Crash That Shook TORA! TORA! TORA! Movie Set

It All Worked Out In The End

The movie “Tora! Tora! Tora!” is known for its impressive and authentic aerial displays. Its production crew used five Boeing B-17s, a Consolidated PBY Catalina, and a couple of Curtiss P-40 Warhawks to make everything as realistic as possible.

However, during filming, one of their fake P-40s accidentally crashed into a group of other replica aircraft. It was supposed to be destroyed at a specific point on the runway, but the plane unexpectedly lifted off the ground and quickly turned toward the other replicas.

Stunt performers nearby had to quickly run away to save their lives – all of this was filmed from different angles using multiple cameras, which the production crew was more than happy enough to use in the movie.