Order Information

We have over 150,000 reports on file. Orders are generally processed in just a few weeks. In addition to our collection of microfilm on accident reports and aircraft record cards, we have expanded our research library to include MACRs. These reports are unedited (they were just recently declassified) and we provide the complete report. We spend the extra time to produce the best print possible from the microfilm.

To order, send us an e-mail, we need a minimum of aircraft type and date of accident. Approximate location is very useful. In addition, information such as the serial number and crew names can also be helpful. If you are researching a particular person (i.e. a relative) let us know as we can check for other reports they may be involved in. U.S.A.A.C. reports before January 1941 are filed by pilot's name, so we will need the name for requests of these reports. We will look up the report, count the number of pages, and provide you with a quote. Then you can send payment by mail or PayPal.

All prices are for research, duplication, and mailing costs per report. Prices per report are listed below. For any pages over 30 there is an additional charge of 25 cents per page. If you would prefer to keep your report under 30 pages, we can print out just the highlights of the report on the larger reports. If reports are ordered as electronic PDF copies, there is no Shipping & Handling charge. Shipping and Handling fee for paper copies is $4.00 within the United States and $8.00 for orders outside the United States.

We accept Visa & MasterCard through PayPal. Please e-mail us your order request and we will contact you with the exact price. You can then click the blue PayPal button to send us payment. If you are not a PayPal member you can join at that time. It is easy, FREE, and secure. We also accept personal checks and money orders. Please make checks or money orders payable to AAIR.

• 

  Discounts for Large Orders and custom research available!
  E-mail us for a quote!

Sample Reports

The U.S.N. reports prior to July 1952 are only a couple of pages long and contain no photographs. A few are lacking in information (see early USN Report Sample #1), while others are extremely informative (see early USN Report Sample #2). The USAAF reports during WW II are anywhere from 5 to 50+ pages long (see USAAF / USAF Unedited Report Sample). Post WW II USAF and July 1952 and later USN are around 25 to 100+ pages (see later USN Report Sample). The USAF reports are on negative microfilm so it is possible to print out the photographs on photographic paper (see sample comparison between microfilm printed pictures and photographic print made from the microfilm). For a sample of a USAF aircraft record card (see sample Aircraft Record Card).

Missing Air Crew Reports (MACRs)

During World War II the U.S. Army Air Forces (AAF) required group echelon units to submit Missing Air Crew Reports (MACRs) to AAF headquarters within two days after an aircraft or air crew failed to return from a combat mission. AAF HQ directed the various group headquarters to submit a MACR for all incidents involving the loss of air crew members during combat operations irrespective of the number of crew members lost. For example, heavy bomber groups would submit a MACR when an aircraft returned from a mission with fewer than the usual ten crew members. In the event an entire crew failed to return, a report was submitted to AAF HQ describing the events prior to the loss of the aircraft. Likewise, fighter groups would submit MACRs when the pilots of single seat aircraft failed to return after a mission.

The information contained in a typical MACR includes a date, time, and location that the crew and aircraft were last seen or reported missing from the formation. Details about aircraft incidents were taken from statements given by crew members from other aircraft flying in the same formation. These statements usually mentioned whether any parachutes were seen to have opened and how many airmen exited the aircraft before it crashed. The names of the missing air crew member(s) were listed by crew position, rank, serial number, and known status such as MIA or POW.

Additional information included in the MACR is the aircraft AAF serial (tail) number; nickname or squadron identification letter; and the type, model, and serial number of the engine(s) or machine gun(s). The name of the assigned air base and numbered unit (squadron, group, or air force) to which an aircraft belonged also appears in the MACR.

MACRs can be as short as a couple pages or over 50! The average is probably close to a dozen pages long. While MACRs are primarily on combat losses and accident reports (USAAF Form 14) are for operational accidents as opposed to losses due to combat action, there are occasionally times that both reports are filled out on the same loss.