USAAC/USAAF.

This is coolbert:

As extracted from an Internet web site some most pertinent and very troubling statistics regarding U.S. combat aviation during the Second World War [WW2].

"Horrific WWII Statistics".

"Absolutely amazing (American) World War 2 statistics and photos.  I have always known that aircrew had the highest fatality rate but the loss rate (and cost of war) detailed below is absolutely horrific"

"If you live for facts and statistics, this is just for you."..

1. "Almost 1,000  Army planes disappeared en route from the US to foreign locations.  But an  eye-watering 43,581 aircraft were lost overseas including 22,948 on combat missions (18,418 against the Western Axis) and 20,633 attributed to non-combat  causes overseas".

ALMOST AS MANY WARPLANES LOST TO "NON-COMBAT CAUSES" AS LOST TO ENEMY ACTION!!

2. "In WWII flying safety took a back seat to combat.  The AAF's [Army Air Force] worst accident rate was recorded by the A-36 Invader version of the P-51: a staggering 274 accidents  per 100,000 flying hours". 

"Next worst were the P-39 at 245, the  P-40 at 188, and the P-38 at 139.  All were Allison powered."

A-36 the ground attack version of the P-51.

AND WHAT WAS THERE ABOUT THE ALLISON ENGINE THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE HIGH ACCIDENT RATE?

The distinguished German combat pilot of the era Steinhoff having rated the P-51 as the BEST fighter plane of the war!! The ground attack version not so good?

coolbert.