Higher Shelf Stones "Overexposed" Memorial

About the Crew

Local remembrance and memorial support

Known as the 'Bleaklow Bomber', the RB-29A 44-61999 was assigned to the 16th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 91st Reconnaissance Group, 311th Air Division in USAF Strategic Air Command. The aircraft had previously participated in Operation Crossroads at Bikini Atoll in 1946, photographing nuclear weapons tests. Much wreckage remains on the moors, making it one of the most visited crash sites in England.

16th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 91st RGOperation Crossroads participant 1946One of England's most visited aircraft crash sites

Comprehensive crash investigation page documenting the flight from RAF Scampton at about 10:15, the low cloud conditions requiring instrument flight, and the strong headwind that slowed the aircraft, causing it to still be over the Pennines when the crew believed they had cleared them. The RAF Mountain Rescue Service located the wreckage at about 16:30.

Departure from Scampton at approximately 10:15Flight conducted on instruments due to low cloudRAF Mountain Rescue located wreckage at 16:30

Detailed photographic documentation of the extensive wreckage field including sections of wings, fuselage, gun turrets, and four Wright Duplex-Cyclone engines. The site is described as a protected war grave with visitors encouraged to treat it with respect.

Photographic record of wreckage fieldSite is a protected war grave

Listed in the US War Memorials registry as the RB-29A 'Overexposed' Memorial, commemorating the 13 USAF personnel who perished in the 1948 crash on Bleaklow.

Registered in US War Memorials database

In-depth aviation history article examining the circumstances of the crash, the aircraft's remarkable prior history at Bikini Atoll, and the navigational errors that led to the fatal descent into high ground.

Detailed aviation history analysis of the incident