2. San Francisco Peaks Aviation Archaeology / Flagstaff, AZ

March 5, 1943: USAAF, Boeing B-17F (42-29586), Mount Elden, San Francisco Peaks, AZ

The B-17F (42-29586), departed the Blythe Army Air Base at 7:20 PM on March 4, 1943. The routine instrument training flight commenced initially on the Blythe range in California. The aircraft received clearance from Blythe radio at 7:23 PM to begin their practice mission which would take them across Northern Arizona. At 9:10 PM, the aircraft contacted the 34th Bombardment Group and gave position over Blythe heading East.

In the early morning hours of March 5th, Winslow Radio notified Blythe Radio that the aircraft was attempting to call Blythe radio to report it's position. Flying low in the dark with cloud cover, the aircraft crashed into the East side of Mount Elden at an altitude of 8000' MSL. The 1:45 AM crash resulted in fatal injuries to the five crewmembers on board the B-17. Nearby residents reported hearing a tremendous explosion and seeing a fire on the east side of Mount Elden. The weather in the vicinity of Mount Elden was reported to be overcast at the time of the accident.

IN MEMORY OF

1st. Lt. Keith O. Martin Jr. (Pilot)
2nd Lt. Ralph E. Majors (Co-Pilot)
2nd. Lt. Frederick C. Ruhl (Co-Pilot)
Tech Sgt. Walter H. Ehlers (Flight Engineer)
Tech Sgt. Robert E. Sanford (Radioman)

***********************************************************************************************************************************

The wreck site today is fairly accessible. Remains at the crash site include the main landing gear and small scattered debris.
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  • THE AIRCRAFT<br /> <br /> The Boeing B-17F (42-29586) was based at the USAAF Army Air Base in Blythe, California.

    THE AIRCRAFT

    The Boeing B-17F (42-29586) was based at the USAAF Army Air Base in Blythe, California.

  • CRASH SITE - MARCH 1943<br /> <br /> After the fires subsided and the smoke lifted, the identification number on the tail left no doubt this was the missing B-17.

    CRASH SITE - MARCH 1943

    After the fires subsided and the smoke lifted, the identification number on the tail left no doubt this was the missing B-17.

  • The right-hand side of the tail section exhibited severe fire damage.

    The right-hand side of the tail section exhibited severe fire damage.

    shapeimage

  • At the time of the accident the vegetation on the east side of Mount Eldon consisted of dense brush and tall pine trees. The plane broke up in the trees before it struck the mountain side.

    At the time of the accident the vegetation on the east side of Mount Eldon consisted of dense brush and tall pine trees. The plane broke up in the trees before it struck the mountain side.

    shapeimage

  • CRASH SITE - JULY 2013<br /> <br /> Today, the crash site is void of the forest that was present in 1943. Numerous fires and climate change has prevented many pine trees from returning.<br /> <br /> The brush has concealed much of the impact site.

    CRASH SITE - JULY 2013

    Today, the crash site is void of the forest that was present in 1943. Numerous fires and climate change has prevented many pine trees from returning.

    The brush has concealed much of the impact site.

  • This unknown fragment is one of the larger pieces of debris located at the site.

    This unknown fragment is one of the larger pieces of debris located at the site.

  • These remnants of food ration cans were most likely discarded by the military rescue and recovery personnel dispatched to the accident scene.

    These remnants of food ration cans were most likely discarded by the military rescue and recovery personnel dispatched to the accident scene.

  • Never overlook even the smallest fragments of aluminum.

    Never overlook even the smallest fragments of aluminum.

  • This fragment revealed manufacturer inspection stamps. If this was an unknown wreck, these identification stamps could help identify the aircraft manufacturer.

    This fragment revealed manufacturer inspection stamps. If this was an unknown wreck, these identification stamps could help identify the aircraft manufacturer.

  • These clumps of aircraft aluminum slag identify the main impact site of the B-17F. They were located near a concentrated burn area marking the location where the aircraft came to rest.

    These clumps of aircraft aluminum slag identify the main impact site of the B-17F. They were located near a concentrated burn area marking the location where the aircraft came to rest.

  • One of two main landing gear assemblies from the B-17.

    One of two main landing gear assemblies from the B-17.

  • The other main landing gear was located partially buried in a ravine close by.

    The other main landing gear was located partially buried in a ravine close by.

  • The landing gear showed evidence of impact damage even though the landing gear was retracted in the wheel well during the crash.

    The landing gear showed evidence of impact damage even though the landing gear was retracted in the wheel well during the crash.

  • Possibly a part from the landing gear.

    Possibly a part from the landing gear.

  • A practice bomb casing rests on some boulders at the crash site.<br /> <br /> Because of ease of vehicle access, this crash site was heavily salvaged for parts and aluminum. As a result, few items remain today.<br /> <br /> ***THE END***

    A practice bomb casing rests on some boulders at the crash site.

    Because of ease of vehicle access, this crash site was heavily salvaged for parts and aluminum. As a result, few items remain today.

    ***THE END***

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