Aircraft Had Recently Participated In WWII Commemorations In Hawaii

We are still evaluating the information coming in on a crash in the central part of California state, near Stockton,  involving a WWII generation Mitchell Bomber that went down short of an airport and into an 'open' field, where an irrigation ditch, and other impediments apparently caused serious damage to the airframe.

The aircraft involved is a 1944 B-25J (and most recently categorized as an 'N' Model after rebuild), serial number 44-28938, registered to PROAIR HOLDING COMPANY LLC, LATHAM , NY, as N7946C. The aircraft had previously been damaged in a forced landing accident near Reno, NV, in 1987. The aircraft later underwent an extensive 18000 hour restoration and flew again in September of 1995.

The initial report from the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, stated that, "Plane crash in the area of Roberts Rd and Muller Rd in Stockton. Please stay out of the area. The aircraft involved in the crash was a World War II-era. The plane attempted a landing in an open field and appeared to have struck an irrigation ditch. The aircraft sustained significant damage. All injuries sustained during the incident appear to be non-life-threatening. We are in communication with NTSB and FAA as they will lead the investigation. Three people were on the aircraft. Two were transported to a local hospital, and one was able to walk away."

Old Glory was one of the birds that was transported to Hawaii aboard the USS Essex. Hoisted aboard the ship in San Diego, the mighty Mitchell took part in The 75th Commemoration of the End of WWII event and then came back across the Pacific the same way. The accident reportedly occurred as the bird was making its way back from having been off-loaded in San Diego.

More info, when available.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov, http://hangar743.com/gallery/b25-mitchell-photo-gallery/