What was the chance of a plane crash in World War 2?

Question

What was the chance of a plane crash in World War 2?

If you look it up please post the link.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Too broad of a question. For transport, you could probably expect at least the same amount (if not less, due to the military being in charge of everything) as a airline of that era. Most of the old radial twin airliners were pretty d**n dependable, although the navigation was pretty iffy on instruments back then, and alot of the pilots in the military during the war were pretty inexperienced.

During combat, it really varied alot mission to mission. I read once that the 8th airforce had around a 50% attrition rate for the bomber crews.

Answer 2

There are a lot of variables here. First, there are combat, and non combat flights. In the non combat flights, the safety record would be comparable to airplanes today. Throughout 1943, combat over enemy held territories took a great toll on the Air Force (Army Air Force then.) By 1945, even the combat missions saw few losses as the enemy's ability to get planes in the sky had been greatly reduced. The point is, there is no way to determine the chance of a plane crash in WW II. There were all types of planes for all types of purposes - cargo, recon, air attack, ground attack, bomber. But all were good (except maybe for the handling characteristics of the B-26.) and well built, and were dependable. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time and being out numbered was part of war and combat, but the planes were good.

Answer 3

9 out of 10 planes crashed in WW2