15th AF / 325th FG / 317th FS



Lesian L/G



Crash landing (class 4): 7 August 1944 @ 1120 hrs (Mechanical failure / Pilot error)



Pilot: 2Lt John D Downer



Aircraft was on a test flight after having rudder and oil pressure regulator replaced.



Pilot had found that the the rudder needed excessive right trim to keep the aircraft level.



During the approach for landing, pilot stalled out and crashed; he had set his base leg too low, which prevented proper coordination in the turn and did not allow time for stall recovery.



Aircraft crash 50 feet short of the runway, landing gear buckled and the aircraft spun around about 500 deg.



Aircraft stricken.



AAF accident report 45-8-7-511