Last flight of 'Nine-0-Nine'

Horrified by deadly crash of B-17 'Nine-0-Nine' in Connecticut yesterday. A War Birds fan for seven decades now, I got to tour 'Nine-0-Nine' as well as its B-24 bomber buddy 'Witchcraft' back in '04 during annual 'Wings of Victory' tour flying out of DuPage Airport. A year later I plunked down $400 to fly on 'Witchcraft' as it was more historic, being the last flying of 18,188 built during WWII. Figured I'd grab a flight on the B-17 next year. 30 minute flight at 1,500 feet over DuPage was spectacular. Strapped in against the fuselage, once airborne a bell rang and we were free to roam 'Witchcraft' from tail gun station to the nose gun. Replica waist guns pointed out of large open side windows. Had a fellow rider hold on to me as I shot photos of DuPage from that opening. Never returned to get my ride on 'Nine-0-Nine'. RIP fellow War Bird fans.

Walt Zlotow

Glen Ellyn