Fintra Beach Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Cuilcagh: The cache owner is not responding to issues with this geocache, so I must regretfully archive it.

Please note that if geocaches are archived by a reviewer or Geocaching HQ for lack of maintenance, they are not eligible for unarchival.

Cuilcagh - Community Volunteer Reviewer for Geocaching HQ (Ireland)

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Hidden : 4/12/2012
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Fintra beach is a great place for a day on the beach. Spend some time to enjoy this wonderful spot. Walk in the dunes or go for a dip, you will be sure to enjoy every minute of it.

The dramatic landing of an American Flying Fortress bomber on Fintra Beach shortly after 6:00 p.m. on the evening of February 20th, 1944, was one of the more dramatic episodes of World War II in Killybegs. The plane, with a crew of ten, was forced to crash land when it ran out of fuel after a dramatic flight from Newfoundland during which the on-board instruments were put out of action and two of the aircraft's four engines failed. The aircraft was one of several new B-17G planes being delivered to Prestwick in Scotland from Kearney, Nebraska, but pilot, Frederick Rowan, recalled years later that there were problems from the start. Problems with oil pressure to one of the engines caused a delay of three weeks at Gander Air Force Base in Newfoundland before the trans-Atlantic journey got under way at 2:00 a.m. on February 20th. "We approached the beach at about 110-120 m.p.h. and had to land the plane quickly. We were too low to pull up without the possibility of hitting hills to our right, left or straight-ahead." "As one large rock appeared ahead, I pulled the plane upward about five feet - one rock was on the beach dead ahead. This was it. So I hit the water and hoped for the best. There were no hidden rocks under the water and a very smooth landing resulted. Regarding the life rafts, the one on my right worked fine - the other one didn't, but we were all soon safely ashore and well received by our temporary Irish hosts. " Local people, who had seen the aircraft-circling overhead before landing, hurried to the beach where they were delighted to see that no one was hurt. They brought the crew to Fintra House and gave them a warm Killybegs welcome. "Late that evening, most if not all of my crew spent a wonderful night enjoying the entertainment and companionship of the fine citizens of Killybegs", said Fred Rowan. "Unfortunately, I was embroiled in contacting my U.S. Ambassador in Dublin as well as filing reports to various agencies - intelligence, etc., so I missed out on all the festivities. " The following day, the Irish Army, which had a base in Killybegs during the War, brought the Americans to the Border and handed them over to the British authorities. The ill-fated Flying Fortress was blown up by Army Engineers a few days later.

Plane propellor on display at Clocktower restaurant
Click hereto open plane crash pdf. Please replace and hide the container completely. Thank you.

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