on 18 may 1942, a united states army air forces consolidated lb-30 liberator crashed on landing at essendon airfield. the liberator had earlier taken off from essendon when smoke was observed in the cockpit, prompting the pilot to return the aircraft to the airfield. one person was killed when he fell out of the nose wheel doors after the crash landing. the aircraft subsequently burst into flames. the rest of the crew members suffered burns but escaped alive.