B-17 plane crash at Bradley International Airport: Here’s what we know so far about the victims (2024)

After a vintage B-17 bomber crashed at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Conn., details about those who died in the crash and the survivors began to surface.

Authorities confirmed at least seven died in the fiery crash and others were injured. In addition to the plane’s three crew members, there were 10 passengers — including two volunteer firefighters from Simsbury, town officials said. Two people on the ground were also injured, authorities said.

Here’s what we know about the victims.

Deceased

David Broderick

A World War II history buff, David Broderick was excited for the opportunity to fly in the vintage bomber plane. He previously traveled to Normandy with his adult sons to see the historic sights first-hand.

He is survived by wife, Dianne and two sons, Joshua Broderick of Connecticut and Christopher Broderick of Westfield, his parents, George and Shirley Holt of Westfield, and a sister, Darlene Kalubert of Russell.

READ MORE: Family IDs David Broderick of West Springfield as victim in B-17 bomber crash at Bradley International Airport

Michael Foster

Michael Foster was the co-pilot of the B-17 bomber. He was 71 years old and was from Jacksonville, Fla.

Gary Mazzone

Gary Mazzone spent more than four decades in law enforcement. He worked as a police inspector with the Connecticut Office of the Chief State’s Attorney for two decades. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, he was the second in command of the Vernon Police Department, where he worked for 22 years, prior to joining the state’s attorney’s office.

The Vernon Police Chief remembered him also for his work outside of the department, including earning induction into the Connecticut Special Olympics Hall of Fame, according to a statement obtained by News 12 Connecticut.

Mazzone was a lifelong resident of East Windsor. His son, Brian, is the head coach of the Stafford/Somers/East Windsor High School football team.

“I don’t think anything ever gave my dad as much joy as following the Bulldogs,” Brian wrote in a post about his father’s death with players and families. “He truly did care about you and your sons. I’m heartbroken. Thank you all for all the kind things you’ve reached out and said. My dad will always be a Bulldog."

READ MORE: Gary Mazzone, former Connecticut police inspector, identified as victim in deadly B-17 plane crash at Bradley International Airport

Ernest McCauley

The 75-year-old was the pilot of the B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. He lived in Long Beach, Calif. He told the Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington in July, that he grew up near an airport begging pilots to give him a ride.

He took pride, according to the paper, in the fact that people now eagerly line up to have him fly them in the B-17 bomber.

“I fly this thing every single day,” McCauley said with a smile, the paper reported.

McCauley referred to the World War II-era plane as “the luckiest plane in the Eighth Air Force,” since it flew 140 missions and never had a mechanical abort or came home with an injured crew member.

McCauley spoke to the newspaper about how the wind can wrestle with the plane.

“This is such a great airplane,” McCauley said. “She doesn’t like crosswinds too much. When the weather is really rough, it’s like wrestling a gorilla. For the most part, it’s a pleasure to fly.”

Robert Riddell

Robert Riddell expressed his excitement to board the B-17 bomber in days and hours before to the crash. He posted multiple photos of the World War II-era plane prior to boarding.

The Connecticut native who lived in East Granby had a passion for militaria. He posted many pictures on his Facebook page of Army jeeps and Air Force jets. Photos also show he had a passion for American muscle cars.

He was married to Debra Riddell, who described her husband as the best person she’s ever met. A business analyst at The Hartford, Riddell listed Bryan Riddell and Rebecca Lantzman as his children on Facebook.

READ MORE: ‘Here we go!’ Robert Riddell posted photos, talked about excitement of flying in B-17 bomber moments before fatal plane crash at Bradley International Airport

Jim Roberts

Friends and family began to flood Western Massachusetts resident Jim Roberts’ social media pages Thursday with thoughts, prayers and memories. Some overlapped as details emerged that he died in the B-17 crash on Wednesday.

One family member reminisced about the influence the Ludlow resident had on them.

“He began my first comic book collection when I was 6 with a huge box of comics he no longer had room for ... He was a master at marching to the beat of his own drum and he wasn’t afraid to travel or try new things even if it meant going solo,” a family member posted.

Gaming, science fiction and comics were his passions, according to his Facebook page.

Joe Roberts confirmed his brother’s death on Thursday.

READ MORE: Ludlow resident Jim Roberts among 7 dead in B-17 bomber crash at Bradley International Airport, family confirms

Robert Rubner

Rober Rubner was 64 years old and live in Tolland, Conn.

Injured

Mitchell Melton

Mitchell Melton is a flight engineer for The Collings Foundation. The Texas native served six years in the Air Force and Army. The Collings Foundation said he is a pilot in training with a passion to further his skills in the Warbird arena.

Andrew Sullivan

Andrew Sullivan works at Bradley International Airport. He is 28 years old and resides in Enfield, Conn.

Andy Barrett

Andy Barrett is 36 years old and lives in South Hadley.

Linda Schmidt

Linda Schmidt was a 62-year-old passenger on the B-17 bomber. She resides in Suffield, Conn.

Tom Schmidt

Tom Schmidt was a 62-year-old passenger on the B-17 bomber. He resides in Suffield, Conn.

Joseph Huber

Joseph Huber is from Tariffville, Conn. He is 48 years old.

James Traficante

A member of the Connecticut Air National Guard, James Traficante is credited with rescuing fellow passengers on the plane, according to WWLP. The native of Simsbury, Conn., serves as the 103rd Airlift Wing’s command chief master sergeant.

The television station reported he brought his military issued flame retardant flight gloves with him during the flight, which he used to open the hatch after the the plane crash landed.

Chief master sergeant is the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force. Traficante joined the military in 1984 and has deployed in support of several operations including Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Desert Shield/Storm, and Volant & Coronet Oak.