Taking a B-17 for a Loop and a Spin

[Steve]

My recent tour of some currently flying vintage bombers had me perusing the net on the subject and in doing so came across this interesting bit of history

http://www.mcall.com/entertainment/mc-ed-krupa-john-urban-20110303,0,7065295.story

A transcript of the co-pilot's wartime journal entry can be found at

http://www.mcall.com/entertainment/mc-john-urban-bomber-loop-account-20110303,0,379481,full.story

"That's the story. We now know from experience that a B-17 will loop, spin, pull out of a dive when indicating 400 mph, fly without a rudder and very little horizontal stabilizer, and will land normally without a rudder and a flat tire added."

 

[Dave Siciliano]

Great story Steve. I put in on the AvSig board. Hope you don't mind.

Best,

Dave

 

[Ted]

These stories always amaze me. I especially like reading the direct account, including the power settings. Thanks for sharing.

 

[NC Pilot]

Amazing account. I have had the pleasure of talking to the gentleman who used to run the FBO at my airport several times about his experiences being a radio operator on B-17's. Amazing gentleman.