59years ago

On Monday the 17th of January 1949 at aproximately 9.50am a Boeing 29a Superflying Fortress clipped the top of one of the Hills around Strachur and finally Crashed into the hillside killing all 20 crew and Passengers.

Although I had known about the Air Crash for some time in August 2006 I was given a Magazine that contained an article about the Disaster.

I searched the web for information but was disappointed to find very little information. I therefore decided to create a Website dedicated to the Historical disaster.

The information gathered together here was only achieved with the help of other people coming forward with valuable information

Theres a tremendous amount of mystery surrounding the crash which will probably never be cleared up, but if any more information comes to light it will be added to this site.

Facts about the crash
Although capable of flying much higher that it was on the day the plane was only pressurised in the crew compartment and tail section. From the front to the back of the plane was really just a large tube and this is probably where the passengers were. There was generally a crew of seven. Because of the passengers the plane had to fly at a level that provided a breathable atmosphere.
The weather on the day was a typical January day very cold and wet also quite windy. Conditions at 10.000 would have been perfect for forming ice on the wings. Although the plane had de-icing capabilities it had been removed so the plane could carry extra fuel.
The plane lost altitude and clipped one of the nearby mountains and then took a steep dive into the glen where it crashed.
This information was taken from the official crash investigation and weather charts of the day

Part of the tragedy came to light whilst interviewing 2 of the people who were either involved in the recovery of the victims or were living in Strachur at the time.
The crew and passengers were returning home just after Christmas to their families and relatives in America. One eyewitness spoke of Christmas presents being strewn across the crash site. These were looted by people who had travelled from as far away as Glasgow, and it is not known whether these gifts were ever recovered. To this day it is not known whether the families and relatives in America were ever aware of the gifts that the deceased were carrying home with them

Anyone who wishes to contact me regarding additional information that could go on this site please mail me by clicking HERE