The loss of B-17 “Nine-O-Nine” today

A famous aircraft (at least in some circles) was lost today at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut, and I am just heartbroken.

This type of aircraft, the Boeing B-17G, was one of my favorite planes when I was a kid, and to a large extent it still is.  Many years ago I used to have a HUGE model that I built.  And one day at an airshow in my teens I finally had the chance to climb into one, and what a joy it was.  That plane was the “Nine-O-Nine”, flown by the Collings Foundation out of Stow, Massachusetts.  I had a t-shirt for years that was one of my favorites.

And now it’s gone.

I have no idea what happened, aside from the plane was trying to land when something must have gone terribly wrong.  There were thirteen people on the plane when it crashed – three crew and ten passengers.  I hope and pray that those who survived will be OK, and that those who did not didn’t suffer.  So if you are the praying type, spend a little time thinking about them.

Thanks.

~Geoff