B17 miraculously landed with its tail almost cut in half.

Copyright Disclaimer: - Under section 107 of the copyright Act 1976, allowance is mad for FAIR USE for purpose such a as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statues that might otherwise be infringing. Non- Profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of FAIR USE. American airmen stationed at Brisker Airfield in Algeria in February 1943 heard the thunder of a big B 17 F Flying Fortress approaching directly in their direction while bearing a rather disturbing appearance. The fortress's tail was almost entirely missing, and its back end was heavily flopping. Only two of the four engines were still functioning, and they were giving off a lot of thick, black smoke, giving the impression that it may suddenly twist off.
B17's rear wheel was shattered, yet on approach, the main landing gears were down. It was obvious that this B-17 Flying Fortress had suffered severe battle damage, but exactly how was a mystery. Clearly, it took a miracle for this poor B-17 to fly nearly 70 miles back to base on just two engines and missing its entire tail. It was extremely unusual and unheard of to bring back a Flying Fortress in such bad shape.

[jennifercallen]

The b17 in the thumbnail is named “silver dollars” it was hit by a friendly bomber in the high group

[thelaughinghyenas]

Hi. A great story but you have really jumpy audio editing.

[Boatperson]

Really amazing old beasts the B17’s, despite all the deaths - it still must have been a buzz for the young blokes to fly in them. The camaraderie remained with them for life. 🇦🇺✌🏻👍🏽