Below the video is a statement that I received in an email about the recent loss of the B-17 that was owned by the Liberty Foundation. This is an awful loss, but fortunately the pilot was able to make an emergency landing with the gear down and all escaped safely. Kudos to the crew….Beer is on me at #OSH11!  - AirplanePorn PIC

Here is a video from YouTube of the same B-17 starting up and taking off just 9 days before:

Statement from Liberty Foundation Chief Pilot:

June 14, 2011 – First, let me start off by sincerely thanking everyone for the outpouring of support that we are receiving. I am sorry that I have not yet had the opportunity to return the many phone calls, text or e-mails that I am receiving offering to help. Again, thank you for all of the kind words that we are receiving and for incredible offers to help emotionally, financially and/or with the recovery process. I hope this statement will help fill in a few details that everyone is wondering about that led to the loss of our “Liberty Belle”.