B-24E #42-7118 8/25/07

The B-24E #42-7118 crashed in the Sierra Mountains on 6/21/43, while on a flight from Tonopah, Nevada to Salinas, California. All seven on board were killed. Weather is believed to be the c ...

2009-08-22T10:20:37Z

Joe Idoni
The B-24E #42-7118 crashed in the Sierra Mountains on 6/21/43, while on a flight from Tonopah, Nevada to Salinas, California. All seven on board were killed. Weather is believed to be the c ...

Joe(me) and Sooz at the start of the hike in Yosemite National Park. The others will met us at camp tomorrow.

2009-06-24T10:26:47Z

Joe Idoni
Joe(me) and Sooz at the start of the hike in Yosemite National Park. The others will met us at camp tomorrow.

We are headed over the pass where we will set up camp for the next few days.

2009-06-24T10:23:26Z

Joe Idoni
We are headed over the pass where we will set up camp for the next few days.

Our campsite for the first night. We moved to a nicer spot the next day.

2009-06-24T10:22:50Z

Joe Idoni
Our campsite for the first night. We moved to a nicer spot the next day.

The next morning, Sooz and I on top of a 12,000 foot peak. We hiked up here to to check out the views and kill some time while waiting for the others to hike in. I was hoping to spot the wre ...

2009-06-24T10:28:01Z

Joe Idoni
The next morning, Sooz and I on top of a 12,000 foot peak. We hiked up here to to check out the views and kill some time while waiting for the others to hike in. I was hoping to spot the wre ...

It was easy to spot the C-47's wreckage from the peak. The crash site is about 2,000 feet below. Will try it on another trip before the snows come to the area.

2009-06-24T10:24:13Z

Joe Idoni
It was easy to spot the C-47's wreckage from the peak. The crash site is about 2,000 feet below. Will try it on another trip before the snows come to the area.

From the peak we got a view of the saddle between two peaks that holds the crash site of the B-24E that we will be hiking to tomorrow.

2009-06-24T10:30:20Z

Joe Idoni
From the peak we got a view of the saddle between two peaks that holds the crash site of the B-24E that we will be hiking to tomorrow.

This shot shows the route we will use from our camp site at the lake. Up the switchbacks, to the pass, then up over the top of a 13.000 foot peak and down to the crash site on the saddle.

2009-06-24T10:23:27Z

Joe Idoni
This shot shows the route we will use from our camp site at the lake. Up the switchbacks, to the pass, then up over the top of a 13.000 foot peak and down to the crash site on the saddle.

Back at camp, everyone is here. Cori showed up first with Craig and Brent arriving a short time later.

2009-06-24T10:24:20Z

Joe Idoni
Back at camp, everyone is here. Cori showed up first with Craig and Brent arriving a short time later.

The next morning we were ready to head for the B-24 crash site. Sooz and Cori were ready first and headed out. They planned to check out the crash site and climb a few peaks in the area. I ...

2009-03-30T10:30:57Z

Joe Idoni
The next morning we were ready to head for the B-24 crash site. Sooz and Cori were ready first and headed out. They planned to check out the crash site and climb a few peaks in the area. I ...

A view of the glacier stream that flows into the lake by our campsite as I start the hike. The area turn out to really scenic.

2009-03-30T10:44:13Z

Joe Idoni
A view of the glacier stream that flows into the lake by our campsite as I start the hike. The area turn out to really scenic.

Hiking up the switchbacks. The switchbacks were easier to hike up than I thought they were going to be. I was glad since I wasn't feeling very well.

2009-06-24T10:23:14Z

Joe Idoni
Hiking up the switchbacks. The switchbacks were easier to hike up than I thought they were going to be. I was glad since I wasn't feeling very well.

Looking back down at camp (arrow) from the top of the switchbacks. I can also see Craig and Brent below. They started hiking about an hour and a half after me.

2009-06-24T10:23:28Z

Joe Idoni
Looking back down at camp (arrow) from the top of the switchbacks. I can also see Craig and Brent below. They started hiking about an hour and a half after me.

Zoomed in on Craig and Brent about 1,000 feet below as they approach the start of the switchbacks.

2009-03-30T10:30:57Z

Joe Idoni
Zoomed in on Craig and Brent about 1,000 feet below as they approach the start of the switchbacks.

When I got to the pass at 12,000 feet, found Sooz and Cori taking a break in a rock shelter. The wind was blowing hard at the pass.

2009-06-24T10:22:47Z

Joe Idoni
When I got to the pass at 12,000 feet, found Sooz and Cori taking a break in a rock shelter. The wind was blowing hard at the pass.

Cori and Sooz with the 13,000 foot peak that we have to hike over. We left the trail here to climb up the east slope.

2009-06-24T10:24:47Z

Joe Idoni
Cori and Sooz with the 13,000 foot peak that we have to hike over. We left the trail here to climb up the east slope.

From the east slope I got a good view of the switchbacks we hiked up.

2009-06-04T03:59:35Z

Joe Idoni
From the east slope I got a good view of the switchbacks we hiked up.

From the peak we can see some of the B-24's wreckage on the slope above the glacier. It's to far away to tell what's there, but we found it.

2009-03-30T10:30:57Z

Joe Idoni
From the peak we can see some of the B-24's wreckage on the slope above the glacier. It's to far away to tell what's there, but we found it.

We got a great view of Mono Lake.

2009-06-24T10:24:20Z

Joe Idoni
We got a great view of Mono Lake.

Cori, me and Sooz on top of the 13,000 foot peak.

2009-06-24T10:27:06Z

Joe Idoni
Cori, me and Sooz on top of the 13,000 foot peak.

Hiking down to the saddle.

2009-06-24T10:25:18Z

Joe Idoni
Hiking down to the saddle.

Came upon this prop blade on the saddle. Looks it was set here to mark the spot.

2009-06-24T10:26:40Z

Joe Idoni
Came upon this prop blade on the saddle. Looks it was set here to mark the spot.

My first good look of the crash site.

2009-06-24T10:24:22Z

Joe Idoni
My first good look of the crash site.

After checking out the site, Sooz and Cori continued on to hike four other peaks in the area They ended up putting in a fourteen hour day returning to camp at 10:00pm. They hiked on while I ...

2009-06-24T10:23:25Z

Joe Idoni
After checking out the site, Sooz and Cori continued on to hike four other peaks in the area They ended up putting in a fourteen hour day returning to camp at 10:00pm. They hiked on while I ...

There was a lot of stuff scattered on the rocky slope. Decided to check out the smaller pieces of wreckagre first and save the props for last.

2009-06-24T10:22:07Z

Joe Idoni
There was a lot of stuff scattered on the rocky slope. Decided to check out the smaller pieces of wreckagre first and save the props for last.

This piece is marked with a GM part number.

2009-06-24T10:28:52Z

Joe Idoni
This piece is marked with a GM part number.

Guessing that this is a piece of the fuselage. Not much sheet metal at the site.

2009-06-24T10:23:27Z

Joe Idoni
Guessing that this is a piece of the fuselage. Not much sheet metal at the site.

This piece has part of a linkage on it.

2009-03-30T10:30:58Z

Joe Idoni
This piece has part of a linkage on it.

Rocker arm.

2009-06-24T10:29:29Z

Joe Idoni
Rocker arm.

More wreckage as I across the slope.

2009-03-30T10:30:58Z

Joe Idoni
More wreckage as I across the slope.

The two chrome items look like some type of releases. Found a few of these scattered around.

2009-06-24T10:20:33Z

Joe Idoni
The two chrome items look like some type of releases. Found a few of these scattered around.

Strap

2009-03-30T10:30:58Z

Joe Idoni
Strap

Another rocker arm.

2009-06-24T10:24:14Z

Joe Idoni
Another rocker arm.

A reflector for a light.

2009-06-24T10:27:42Z

Joe Idoni
A reflector for a light.

Finding a lot of stuff, but wondering what happened to most of the wreckage?

2009-06-24T10:23:28Z

Joe Idoni
Finding a lot of stuff, but wondering what happened to most of the wreckage?

Some of the stuff was covered by rocks. Some tubing can be seen.

2009-06-24T10:22:33Z

Joe Idoni
Some of the stuff was covered by rocks. Some tubing can be seen.

The lettering on the box reads "SIGNAL CORPS U.S. ARMY RADIO FILTER FL-5-D".

2009-06-24T10:25:24Z

Joe Idoni
The lettering on the box reads "SIGNAL CORPS U.S. ARMY RADIO FILTER FL-5-D".

In this shot are two pieces of armor plating.

2009-06-24T10:24:22Z

Joe Idoni
In this shot are two pieces of armor plating.

Closer look at one of the plates.

2009-06-24T10:26:06Z

Joe Idoni
Closer look at one of the plates.

This wreckage is about hundred feet from the props. The props marked the eastern edge of the crash site, this is the far west edge of the site.

2009-03-30T10:30:58Z

Joe Idoni
This wreckage is about hundred feet from the props. The props marked the eastern edge of the crash site, this is the far west edge of the site.

A piece of the airframe. Not much of the airframe remains at the site.

2009-03-30T10:30:58Z

Joe Idoni
A piece of the airframe. Not much of the airframe remains at the site.

Found a few of these steel strutures. This one was attached to a piece of the airframe.

2009-03-30T10:30:58Z

Joe Idoni
Found a few of these steel strutures. This one was attached to a piece of the airframe.

Another piece of the bomber's structure.

2009-03-30T10:30:58Z

Joe Idoni
Another piece of the bomber's structure.

Butterfly valve.

2009-06-24T10:24:59Z

Joe Idoni
Butterfly valve.

Interesting looking piece, but I have no idea what it is.

2009-06-24T10:23:35Z

Joe Idoni
Interesting looking piece, but I have no idea what it is.

Surprised to find this piece of canvas after sixty four years. It had pockets with snaps.

2009-06-24T10:24:26Z

Joe Idoni
Surprised to find this piece of canvas after sixty four years. It had pockets with snaps.

Piece of window with part of the frame attached.

2009-06-24T10:23:08Z

Joe Idoni
Piece of window with part of the frame attached.

This is either a generator or motor.

2009-03-30T10:30:58Z

Joe Idoni
This is either a generator or motor.

Another one without the housing.

2009-06-24T10:24:24Z

Joe Idoni
Another one without the housing.

Think these straps are from a parchute.

2009-03-30T10:30:58Z

Joe Idoni
Think these straps are from a parchute.

Closer view shows what looks like the attchment point for the chute lines.

2009-03-30T10:30:58Z

Joe Idoni
Closer view shows what looks like the attchment point for the chute lines.

Vacuum tube.

2009-03-30T10:30:58Z

Joe Idoni
Vacuum tube.

Looks like this could be a piece of small suitcase.

2009-06-24T10:26:00Z

Joe Idoni
Looks like this could be a piece of small suitcase.

I could see some wreckage further down just above the glacier, but didn't have the energy to check it out.

2009-06-24T10:24:11Z

Joe Idoni
I could see some wreckage further down just above the glacier, but didn't have the energy to check it out.

This prop was the lowest on the slope.

2009-06-24T10:21:06Z

Joe Idoni
This prop was the lowest on the slope.

Above the prop was one of the turbochargers.

2009-06-24T10:24:24Z

Joe Idoni
Above the prop was one of the turbochargers.

Further up was another prop and turbocharger.

2009-06-24T10:22:44Z

Joe Idoni
Further up was another prop and turbocharger.

Closer look at the turbocharger and spinner.

2009-03-30T10:30:58Z

Joe Idoni
Closer look at the turbocharger and spinner.

Looking up at the other two props. The upper three props were in a line down the slope. The fourth was a little off to the side.

2009-06-24T10:22:55Z

Joe Idoni
Looking up at the other two props. The upper three props were in a line down the slope. The fourth was a little off to the side.

A piece of one of the cylinder heads.

2009-06-24T10:20:08Z

Joe Idoni
A piece of one of the cylinder heads.

The piece of head turned over to show the valve.

2009-06-24T10:20:29Z

Joe Idoni
The piece of head turned over to show the valve.

Close up look at the prop that is second from the top.

2009-06-24T10:22:52Z

Joe Idoni
Close up look at the prop that is second from the top.

Manufacturing number.

2009-06-24T10:23:05Z

Joe Idoni
Manufacturing number.

Looking down as I hike up to the highest prop on the slope.

2009-06-24T10:22:00Z

Joe Idoni
Looking down as I hike up to the highest prop on the slope.

Surprising to see such little damage to the props. All were bent, but showed little impact damage. Looking back at the photos in the crash report could see that even thought the B-24 crashed ...

2009-06-24T10:27:39Z

Joe Idoni
Surprising to see such little damage to the props. All were bent, but showed little impact damage. Looking back at the photos in the crash report could see that even thought the B-24 crashed ...

Closer view of the hub assembly.

2009-03-30T10:30:58Z

Joe Idoni
Closer view of the hub assembly.

A shot of me with one of the props before starting the hike back to camp. I wanted to stay longer and wait for Craig and Brent, but was feeling really weak and wanted to get back to camp.

2009-06-24T10:26:42Z

Joe Idoni
A shot of me with one of the props before starting the hike back to camp. I wanted to stay longer and wait for Craig and Brent, but was feeling really weak and wanted to get back to camp.

Last look before starting the hike back. Only a little of the large bomber remains at the site. Wonder if the wreackage was removed or if time has buried it in the glacier.

2009-03-30T10:30:58Z

Joe Idoni
Last look before starting the hike back. Only a little of the large bomber remains at the site. Wonder if the wreackage was removed or if time has buried it in the glacier.

Back on the 13,000 foot peak looking to the northeast at Mono Lake.

2009-06-24T10:28:38Z

Joe Idoni
Back on the 13,000 foot peak looking to the northeast at Mono Lake.

On pass I intersected the trail that leads back to camp.

2009-06-24T10:22:53Z

Joe Idoni
On pass I intersected the trail that leads back to camp.

Looking down on the canyon that our campsite is in from near the top of the switchbacks.

2009-06-24T10:20:23Z

Joe Idoni
Looking down on the canyon that our campsite is in from near the top of the switchbacks.

I was glad to get back to camp. I usually don't have a problem with altitude, but it's been effecting me for the last couple of days.

2009-06-24T10:24:02Z

Joe Idoni
I was glad to get back to camp. I usually don't have a problem with altitude, but it's been effecting me for the last couple of days.

The next morning when I woke up to a light rain. It stopped after about an hour. I pack up quickly and headed out. Was still feeling bad and wanted to get back down to the truck. The others ...

2009-06-24T10:22:26Z

Joe Idoni
The next morning when I woke up to a light rain. It stopped after about an hour. I pack up quickly and headed out. Was still feeling bad and wanted to get back down to the truck. The others ...

Craig and Brent back at the trailhead. I been emailing Craig for a coulpe of years so it was nice to finally get to meet him. This trip was one of the hardest I've done in a long time. Mainl ...

2009-06-24T10:25:19Z

Joe Idoni
Craig and Brent back at the trailhead. I been emailing Craig for a coulpe of years so it was nice to finally get to meet him. This trip was one of the hardest I've done in a long time. Mainl ...