How many people died in the North Barrule plane crash?

All 31 people on board were killed instantly when the B-17 Flying Fortress struck the mountainside on 23rd April 1945. This makes it the deadliest aviation accident in Manx history.

Can you still see plane wreckage at North Barrule?

Very little remains today. Most of the aircraft was destroyed in the impact and fire, and what's left are just small fragments, some gathered in a pit near the memorial. Please don't disturb or remove any pieces you find.

How do I find the B-17 memorial on North Barrule?

The memorial is on the east/south-east slope, roughly 200 feet below the summit. It's not signposted, so you'll need proper walking boots and a GPS or offline map to locate it, as the terrain is rough moorland and there's nothing obvious to aim for.

Aircraft Lost on the Hills

North Barrule and the Isle of Man’s Forgotten Wartime Tragedy

A stone memorial on North Barrule marks the place where an American B-17 struck the hillside with 31 people aboard. It remains the deadliest aviation accident in Manx history, yet many visitors pass beneath the mountain knowing nothing about it.

28 August 202613 min read