B-25C-NA SN 41-12634
B-25C-NA SN 41-12634

B-25C-NA SN 41-12634

History

The B-25C-NA SN 41-12634 was delivered on March 24, 1942. Her First assignment was to Camp Beauregard, Louisiana as a trainer. Late in 1942, she was transferred to Columbia, South Carolina and Eglin Field by late 1942. During World War II many bases were outfitted with B-25s for training purposes but Columbia and Greenwood Army Air Fields, both in South Carolina, were among the more active B-25 bases. Columbia became a major staging base for B-25 units prior to deployment overseas. Stationed at Columbia 41-12634 was assigned to the 309th Bomb Group, 376th Bomb Squadron. At Columbia the B-25 crews practiced bombing techniques, navigation and gunnery before deployment to combat units. This included medium altitude, low-level approaches, skip bombing and strafing tactics. On April 4, 1943 while on a training flight over Lake Murray, South Carolina piloted by 2nd Lt. William C. Fallon, she developed engine trouble while practicing skip bombing techniques. Unable to attain altitude, she was ditched into the lake at 10:45AM. There were no fatalities and all personal were returned to base safely. The local newspapers stated that the aircraft sank in 150 feet of water about two miles west of the lake dam. At the time of the accident she had logged 1045 hours of flight time. The following summary of assignments are listed on her record card:

Base Assignments

Date Location Notes
04/13/1942 Camp Beauregard, LA 12 BG, Training
09/17/1942 Columbia AAF, SC 309 BG
12/11/1942 Eglin Field, FL 915 BG
01/02/1943 Columbia AAF, SC 309 BG

She remained underwater until September 19, 2005, when she was recovered and transported to the Southern Museum of Flight. Parts of her are currently on display.

  • Model: B-25C-NA
  • Serial Number: 41-12634
  • NAA Mfg. Number: 82-5269
  • FAA Registration: Never registered
  • Mfg. Plant: Inglewood, California
  • Completion Date: March 1942
  • Delivery Date: March 24, 1942
  • Status: Static
  • Owner: Southern Museum of Flight
  • Location: Birmingham, Alabama
  • Website: http://www.southernmuseumofflight.org/
  • Notable info:

Photos


This page represents the most current information we have on this aircraft. The information above was last updated 12/2016. Our goal is to have the most current and correct information possible. If you have any information about this aircraft not listed here or see anything posted in error, please contact the B-25 History Project so we may update our records.