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All the United States Virginia Bedford Sharp Top Crash Site
AO Edited

Sharp Top Crash Site

A glimpse into the sacrifices of military members during World War II.

Bedford, Virginia

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Remnants.   Traveling Maven / Atlas Obscura User
Memorial plaque at the site.   Traveling Maven / Atlas Obscura User
The crash site is near the summit of Sharp Top   apbreuhan / Atlas Obscura User
  apbreuhan / Atlas Obscura User
The crash site.   LauraAndFauna / Atlas Obscura User
  DrBenway / Atlas Obscura User
  LauraAndFauna / Atlas Obscura User
Engine.   Traveling Maven / Atlas Obscura User
Sharp Top Mountain, as seen from near the Peaks of Otter Lodge.   LauraAndFauna / Atlas Obscura User
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About

An Army Air Force B-25D flying a nighttime navigation training mission was supposed to be a routine exercise, however, it ended in tragedy. On February 2, 1943, the plane crashed at 3,100 feet on the side of Sharp Top Mountain in southwest Virginia.

The forest is slowly reclaiming the wreckage but still visible is a large portion of one wing, a large radial engine, and some unidentified pieces wrapped around trees. There were five crewmen aboard this tragic flight, whose names are now listed on a memorial at the site.

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Know Before You Go

The location is hidden to prevent vandalism but asking a local or exploring on your own will lead you to the site. It’s a steep climb to and from the site on an unimproved trail. Be careful, as snakes and other insects are plentiful. 

If you go please remember that this is a memorial site. Treat this entire area as you would any other place of honor. Leave no trace of garbage and take nothing away from the site.

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Traveling Maven

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LauraAndFauna, DrBenway, apbreuhan

  • LauraAndFauna
  • DrBenway
  • apbreuhan

Published

August 30, 2021

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Sources
  • https://www.roanoke8thairforce.com/sharptopcrash
  • http://rightsideva.blogspot.com/2008/07/sharp-top-mountain-b-25-bomber.html
Sharp Top Crash Site
Bedford, Virginia, 24523
United States
37.446804, -79.602536

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