Hope he got out....

[John Lever]

 

[flyincowboy]

B17 Ball turett dropped to the sea before belly landing . Hopefully no one inside .

 

[Micawber]

Guns are facing down relative to the ring gear so trap door was in the aircraft prior to it being dropped, therefore gunner was able to get out in the usual way. SOP was to unbolt the turret and drop it prior to w wheels up landing otherwise the turret support could break the back of a B-17. B-24 ball turrets were retractable.

Details of this photo are online.

 

[Otter]

Imagine the surprise if that came up in your nets !