Description of Accident

    A formation of B-24's consisting of #347, #508, and #5521, had been flying high altitude formation for approximately two and one-half hours. during this time, positions in the formation had been altered so that only one more change was necessary to allow each plane to fly in each position in the formation. Before the last change was made, the formation descended from 20,000 feet to 10,000 feet.

    At the time of the last change in the formation, #5521 was in the lead position, with #508 on his right wing an #347 on his left wing. #5521 requested #508 to take the lead and #347 to fly on his right wing. After this change was made, #347 was too far out.

    Statements indicate #347 then made a sharp left bank, came into correct position momentarily, and then slid underneath and slightly ahead of #508. Immediately after this, #347 was observed to have climbed slightly, and his tail section hit the nose section of #508. This resulted in the tail section being sheared off, and at the same time put the plane into a steep spiral to the right, which position it maintained until striking the ground.

    #508 sustained considerable damage to the nose section and right wing, but was able to make a landing at Westover Field, escorted by #5521.

    Statements by other pilots in the formation reveal #347, on its takeoff, went the entire length of the runway with the right main wheel and nose wheel on the turf, off the runway, and used more than 7,000 feet to get into the air, despite the fact that he had a light airplane.

    The pilots further reported that #347 had flown poor formation during the entire flight by flying too far out, and statements indicate that Lt. Moholt's reactions and judgment were poor on this particular flight. His previous record had been noted as average by instructor-pilots.

CONCLUSION: 50% of the accident is attributed to pilot's, (Lt, Moholt), judgment in that he elected to use an improper maneuver in trying to get into proper formation; and 50% to technique in that pilot failed to execute the maneuver properly.

RECOMMENDATIONS: It is recommended that:
                        a. Pilots be constantly instructed on formation technique.
                        b. Abandon ship procedure be in constant practice.

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