7 Dead After WWII Plane Crash At Airport

Twitter / WFSB Channel 3, Fox61News

A vintage plane from World War II that was performing tours and shows at Bradley International Airport when it crashed into a fiery explosion upon return to the airport.

Bradley International Airport is located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut and was recently hosting several WWII relics that were giving tours and flying experiences to the public.

The decades-old Boeing B-17 Bomber took off just around 9:45 am from the airport and was carrying 13-14 people. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot radioed to air traffic controllers that there was a problem and they needed immediate clearance to land.

The pilot cited engine failure and was cleared to land by controllers – at 9:54 a.m., the plane crashed on Runway #6 and damaged maintenance and de-icing facilities upon hard impact.

Officials tell Fox 61 News that at least 14 people were injured during the crash and 13 were on board the plane when it crashed. At least seven people are dead, with others in critical condition at area hospitals.

The New England Air Museum issued a statement about the tragic crash, saying: “On behalf of the entire New England Air Museum family, our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by today’s crash of a vintage B-17 aircraft at Bradley International Airport. Although we are not connected to the Collings Foundation or these flights, the New England Air Museum and the Collings Foundation have a decades-long relationship and we are deeply saddened by today’s tragedy.”

The FAA has put a ground stop for all flights destined for the airport and the airport has been closed by officials. The NTSB has already dispatched a team to investigate the matter.

The Collings Foundation, which was hosting the event at the airport, had brought several planes to Bradley this week, including the B-17G that crashed. a B-24 –Liberator,  a B-25, a P-51 – Mustang fighter,  and a P-40 Warhawk. Rides on some of the planes were available to the public.

According to a 1995 news report, this same plane made an emergency landing on July 9th, 1995 near Norfolk, Nebraska.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this tragedy. Watch the full news report below.