Chimney Rock Mountain photo

Co Down: Chimney Rock Mountain Air Crash

On the 10 April 1944 at 14:45hrs three B26 Marauders from the USAAF took off from Toome airfield on a gunnery training mission. Approximately three quarters of an hour later at 15:30hrs the aircraft were two to three mile east of Kilkeel. The left wingman flying aircraft No.41-18150, piloted by Second Lt. Howell C. Jr. in an attempt to get over the Mourne Mountains flew into a cloud bank and crashed into the side of Chimney Rock Mountain, all five airmen were killed in the crash. As reported in a similar situation in Donegal Urris Hills Air Crash [[[1046694]]] when six young airmen were killed: It almost seems an obscenity that such a peaceful and beautiful place, six young airmen disorientated by thick fog and struggling to recognise a familiar landmark in unfamiliar terrain should die in such tragic circumstances. "Courtesy of the Derry Journal" More information can be obtained by logging onto: http://www.chimneyrockb26crash.com Photo taken from elevation: 600 metres (1967 feet) Discoverer Series Map No.29

© Michael Murtagh and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Taken at: Chimney Rock Mountain, Mourne Mountains near

Date taken / added: 20th Sep 2011