The Dumbest Hero Who Somehow Stole a German Plane

It was May 1945, and the war in the European Theater had just ended. Yet, over the borderlands of the Netherlands and Germany, a lonesome Focke-Wulf Fw 190 bearing the swastika insignia roared through the sky.

At the controls sat American pilot Bob Hoover, executing an audacious escape from captivity.

His hands, steady despite the turmoil, gripped the controls of the enemy aircraft with instructions all in German. With no parachute and deep within Allied territory, Hoover faced a storm of doubt and determination. He thought to himself: [QUOTE]

“You are the dumbest aviator that ever flew. What the hell are you accomplishing?”

The relief of leaving his captors behind now turned into the fear of what lay ahead. He was flying the wrong colors. The image of anti-aircraft batteries flashed through his mind while looking for a suitable stretch among the friendly sight of windmills. As he prepared for an emergency landing in a field, the uncertainty of his reception on the ground loomed large.

For a long time, Hoover kept this breathtaking escape to himself, believing it to be more foolhardy than heroic. Yet, as word of his daring adventure spread, his reputation soared.

-

As images and footage of actual events are not always available, Dark Docs sometimes utilizes similar historical images and footage for dramatic effect. I do my best to keep it as visually accurate as possible. All content on Dark Docs is researched, produced, and presented in historical context for educational purposes. We are history enthusiasts and are not always experts in some areas, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with corrections, additional information, or new ideas. -

[tuzu]

1981 I had the very distinct honor off meeting "BOB." It was in a bar in Stead Nevada during the Reno Air Races. The man did not fail to impress.

[johndeanjdsvihovic]

I was very fortunate to meet Bob in 1993. He was a true gentleman and I will never forget.

[jamesyates]

We lived in Seattle and took our young girls to the air shows at Paine field and remembered Bob’s amazing demonstrations fondly. What a showman.

[oldtanker]

As a kid in Tucson AZ., I had the privilege of watching him fly both the 51 and the shrike. More than 55 years later I still remember the shows and it was a help as I also wanted to fly. I got my pilot license years later. A fantastic pilot, they don't make them like that any more.

[paulricketts]

...at the age of 12 years old my Dad paid Mr. Hoover $40.00 to take me for a ride in his Yellow P-51. An expereience that changed my life. Throughout the years I often crossed paths with Mr. Hoover on many, many occaions, and he never forgot my name and always asked about my Dad. Mr. Hoover was no dummy. And was a FINE human Bob

[Backroad_Junkie]

There are old pilots and bold pilots, but no old, bold pilots. Well, maybe there was one, lol....

[MWeaselDriver]

I’ve read his book and met him. He actually shook my hand when I was just a young 22 yr old Cessna pilot. That’s the quality of man he was. Just a flat out good person

[thomasroutson]

The incredible Mr. Hoover! I saw him perform numerous times and as the safety pilot at Reno. He was The Best!

[SkBettty]

Chuck Yeager was from WV. CRW was named Yeager International Airport a while back. He once flew his jet along the Kanawha River and UNDERNEATH the I-64 bridge here in Charleston after being told specifically not to do that. F’n Legend

[lizardfirefighter]

Years ago when I attended The Rancho Murietta airshow in California - around 1986. My dad and I saw this amazing stunt, as described in this video. The pilot tuned off both engines made several loops and ended up making a perfect landing all with no power. I was amazed and my dad, a pilot, was very impressed. Now after watching this video I think I saw Bob Hoover fly. The SR 71 did a low altitude fly by at this same airshow!

[hugostiglitz]

Met him some years ago at Oshkosh. One of the few old bold pilots to actually retire after a huge career!

[mikestone]

Bob is a true legend. He could do things with his planes that others could only dream of doing. I doubt if there is one pilot who doesn't know who he is.

[kendamo]

Oh my god. This story is amazing. What an incredible man. What else can I say? I once went Parasailing while on vacation and I survived. That’s pretty much my aviation crowning achievement.

[bobcastro]

I watched video coverage of the 50th anniversary of breaking the sound barrier. As I recall, Yeager was flying an F-15 on that October day in 1997 and Bob Hoover was, once again, his wingman in a chase plane. Classic.

[TheNinjaMarmot]

Remarkable man. Dont think there are any flying aces alive today. End of an era.

[markwarren]

I was interested in this article not knowing who “The Dumbest Pilot” was being referred to. When the name Bob Hoover was mentioned, my ears perked up and thought “no way”. Bob Hoover is a legend if you know anything about test pilots. Such a great article!

[davidguth]

Like many others here, I had the pleasure of seeing him at an air show in the mid-70’s as a kid in SoCal flying a Rockwell International stunt plane. Extraordinary pilot!

[KurtFlunkn]

I recall hearing Bob Hoover tell this story, along with many others, at the Theater in the Woods during Oshkosh. I'm very surprised that his life story has never been made into a feature film.

[stevenleiler]

An interesting addition to his escape story was he wanted to wedge one of the other guys he escaped with in the plane with him, but the guy said no way and bob left him behind, never to know what happened to him. Years later after an air show the man walks up to him wile he's signing autographs. would have liked to seen that.

[patrickpatrick]

Bob Hoover was a great pilot. I saw him at an air show as a kid preforming acrobatics.