Ever since they were used for bombing missions during World War II, B-17 aircraft have had legions of loyal fans. And as time passes, the chance to fly aboard one of these aircraft has become more rare.

So when a nonprofit organization offered history and plane buffs a chance to do just that, they leapt at the chance.

On Wednesday morning, 10 passengers and three crew members boarded a vintage B-17G bomber at Bradley International Airport near Hartford.

But moments after takeoff, something went horribly wrong.

About five minutes after the plane took off, its crew contacted the tower and reported an issue, said Jennifer Homendy , a National Transportation Safety Board member.