On This Day in WWII (1943): XB-29 Prototype Crashes in Seattle, Killing 30+ Including Legendary Test Pilot Edmund "Eddie" Allen

On This Day in WWII (1943): XB-29 Prototype Crashes in Seattle, Killing 30+ Including Legendary Test Pilot Edmund "Eddie" Allen

In February 1943, work was underway to build a new long-range bomber for the United States Army Air Forces. Boeing’s B-29 Superfortress was meant to fly farther and carry heavier loads than earlier bombers. Its designers hoped it might reach targets deep inside enemy territory. To do that, the aircraft used four powerful Wright R-3350 radial engines. These engines were advanced but not yet proven, and early test flights showed that they had seri…