This B17F became a training aircraft for bomber crews at Lockbourne AAB, Columbus, Ohio after being christened on 6th April 1943.

On a ferry trip, returning from Maxwell Air Base in Alabama on 1st October 1944, "Spirit of South High" crashed after suffering a fuel transfer malfunction during thick fog. As it progressively lost engines due to fuel starvation and unable to see any safe landing ground the crew bailed out over Virginia, miles off course.

For a full account of the crash and of the efforts of the pupils and staff of the South High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, who collected the $375,000 of War Bond sales to purchase the bomber it is highly recommended that you read Sandra Warren's wonderfully detailed study in her book "We bought a WWII bomber".

   
 

 

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© Ray Bowden 30 November 2023

 

Information Update for Readers of "Plane Names & Fancy Noses - 91st Bomb Group (Heavy)"