[Dysart]

Several years ago we boarded the B-17 “Liberty Belle” in Addison, Tx for a flight of a lifetime, but as it taxied down the runway the right outside engine began to spew plumes of white smoke and the bird began shaking...more so.. it’s a rough ride under the best of conditions. With us was an elderly gentleman, old enough to have been a WWII Vet, easily, and unmoved through it all. But not everyone was so stoic. Twin girls screaming, mother conforting them. Even I wondered if this was not such a great idea...(I wasn’t certain the pilot was aware of the problem)happily he aborted, turned around, and we deplaned and that was that. I have some pics around here somewhere and she was a real beauty.

[xrmusn]

began to spew plumes of white smoke
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Not to worry.

Obviously that meant a new Pope was selected.....

[Vote 4 Nixon]

My family and I also had the honor to tour the liberty belle in Douglas Ga. A few months before she burned up. Got lots of pics and the kids loved it. We were all heartbroken when we learned what happened to her.

[tanknetter]

Several years ago we boarded the B-17 “Liberty Belle” in Addison, Tx for a flight of a lifetime, but as it taxied down the runway the right outside engine began to spew plumes of white smoke and the bird began shaking... I have some pics around here somewhere and she was a real beauty.

Liberty Belle was destroyed in a fire a year or two back. From the first notice of smoke (while in the air) to the plane being on the ground (in a freshly-plowed field) and her crew and passengers deplaned was somewhere in the neighborhood of a minute or two.

Fire apparatus showed up in time to save her, but couldn't traverse the field to actually get to her. Absolutely heartbreaking.

She was a pretty special plane - sent to Pratt & Whitney as an engine testbed, had a massive engine (prop) installed in the nose that could maintain the aircraft in flight with the other four engines off and feathered. After being retired from P&W she went to the New England Air Museum, where she was heavily damaged during the 1979 Hartford tornado. She sat semi-crumpled for over 10 years (maybe close to 20) before she was bought and restored to flying condition.

[hinckley buzzard]

No doubt, but the fact is the B17 could fly very well with three or even two engines. There was that much surplus power in those 1200 HP Wright turbocharged engines.

[Windflier]

...the B-17 “Liberty Belle” in Addison, Tx

Do you know if the Liberty Belle is based in Addison? If she is, I'll have to get over there and give her a visit. Thanks.