PLYMOUTH – The local aviation community is in shock following the crash in Connecticut of a World War II-era bomber that has been visiting Plymouth for years.

The B-17 Flying Fortress named the Nine O Nine crashed Wednesday morning while landing at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut with 13 aboard. There were several confirmed fatalities and multiple injuries, including one person who was injured on the ground.

"Everyone is really quite shocked and concerned," Airport Manager Tom Maher said. "It's unfortunate. Obviously they've been coming here for many years and we've never had any problems."

The Nine O Nine was one of four vintage warbirds that visited Plymouth in mid September as part of the Collings Foundation's "Wings of Freedom" Tour. The foundation uses the planes as a living history exhibits that tells the history of the aerial warfare in World War II.

The public is invited to tour the planes on the ground. Some people pay to take a flight.

Maher said the foundation's bombers have been visiting Plymouth for 24 years and many of the crew members are well known to local aviators.

"The people at Plymouth Airport always enjoyed having them come to the airport and are deeply concerned by the fact there was this accident," Maher said. "We certainly hope that the survivors are able to recover. Certainly it's very sad for the families of the people that may have died."

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