Us Official Photographs

B-17 Flying Fortresses over Stuttgart

The dangers of close formation flying sometimes take their toll of U.S. Army 8th Air Force heavy bombers. This scene is the result of a collision when Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses attacked Stuttgart, Germany. Photo shows the lead ship of one formation plummeting earthward after having its tail assembly completely knocked off by props of the following ship. No parachutes were seen to open from the ill-fated bomber as it fell immediately after the collision.