CRASH LANDING OF A B-26 MARAUDER
AT GARBUTT AIRFIELD, TOWNSVILLE
ON 10 FEBRUARY 1943

On 10 February 1943, B-26 Marauder #40-1420 "Murder Inc." of the19th Bomb Squadron of the 22nd Bomb Group crash landed at Garbutt Airfield in Townsville with nose wheel issues. The crew entrance ladder had not been retracted after takeoff from Iron Range Airfield which subsequently jammed the nose wheel mechanism. It landed tail down at Garbutt Airfield. Whilst an attempt was being made to repair it, a mechanic accidentally retracted the main undercarriage, causing the B-26 to settle down on one wing and twisted the fuselage.

The aircraft was written off at the nearby Depot #2 and used as spares (see photo below).

Remains of B-26 Marauder #40-1420 "Murder Inc." at Depot #2

A directive requesting that Nose Art names such as
 "Murder Inc" should not be used. This was as a result
of another aircraft in Europe that had the same name.

Can anyone help me with more information on this crash?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 5 May 2024

This page last updated 05 May 2024