When a US Pilot Stole an FW-190

During World War II, a daring incident occurred when a U.S. Army Air Forces pilot managed to steal a German Focke-Wulf Fw 190, one of the Luftwaffe’s most formidable fighter aircraft. The event took place on November 27, 1942, when Lt. Bruce W. Carr, a P-51 Mustang pilot of the 354th Fighter Group, found himself behind enemy lines after being shot down over German-occupied territory.

Carr evaded capture for several days before stumbling upon an abandoned airfield where he discovered an intact but unguarded Fw 190. With no other means of escape, he decided to steal the aircraft and fly it back to Allied-controlled territory. The challenge was that he had never flown an Fw 190 before and had no idea how to start it. After fumbling with the unfamiliar controls, he eventually managed to get the engine running.

With no radio contact and no way to signal his identity, Carr flew the stolen German fighter toward Allied lines. As he approached, American anti-aircraft gunners and pilots spotted the enemy aircraft and prepared to shoot him down. Thinking quickly, he rocked his wings and managed to land the plane at an Allied airbase. Initially, ground crews rushed to capture him, but once he emerged from the cockpit and identified himself, they realized what had happened.

Lt. Carr's incredible feat not only demonstrated his courage and resourcefulness but also provided Allied intelligence with a rare, intact example of the Fw 190 for study. His story remains one of the most extraordinary pilot escape tales of World War II.