Demise
The Flying Fortress was assigned to attack Japanese ships in Rabaul Harbor in February 1942. It was the aircraft’s final mission. On the day it flew out, things did not go according to their plans. The trouble started when the bomb bay doors were stuck and couldn’t open. The plane had to fly over their target twice before the doors finally opened. By this time, the Japanese army had already sent out their anti-aircraft fire. It would be the demise of the Flying Fortress.
Demise
Technical Failure
The Flying Fortress was trapped in a dogfight after they passed their target. They were lucky to be able to open the bomb bay which left their enemy less to stage their counterattack. The Flying Fortress took out three out of twelve of the enemy fighters before the worst of it transpired. An anti-aircraft flak had struck them. Fortunately, the plane did not blow up, but a wing had received severe damage. Fuel was leaking from the plane which led it to crash land in Papua New Guinea swampland.
Technical Failure
