On two different occasions here in southern NJ I had the same experience you did. I was at work in Wall Township, NJ, there’s a private airport, Allaire Airport nearby that every few years hosts a “WW2 Warbirds’’ show. I was out by the loading dock when just as you heard that roar so did I. I said ‘’Damn, that sounds like a Pratt&Whittney engine!’’ Well it was four of them and like a giant shadow that momentarily blotted out the sun a B-24 bomber, the only one still flying, swept overhead no more than a hundred feet or so. I could see the pop rivets in the wings and felt the air stream from it’s passing. Took my breath away. And then as gentle and smooth as if it owned the sky it banked slightly to the left(west) to Allaire Airport and was gone. Some years later, recently in fact in the same area coming out of work again I heard that roar and this time it was a B-17. It’s one of a few that are still flying. “909’’ it’s called. Took a tour of that baby! Talk about cramped. You can read all you want about the four engine bombers of WW2 but until you see one actually in flight can you appreciate their grace and power.
I have to laugh when I read that. I worked in Macon, GA back in the '90s when the "Sentimental Journey", a B-17G flown by the Confederate Air Force, made its appearance there.
I went out to the airport and took a tour, and was blown away at the small interior. It felt like I was walking (stooped) through a highway culvert. They were playing actual combat intercom conversations and I well remember the "Get out of there guys!" as they watched one of their own go down and counting the chutes as they bailed out. Christ, talk about chills!
The guys said their next stop was Savannah and a day later I was in a Big Wheel conference when I heard THE drone. I had seen so many WWI films on B-17s I immediately recognized the familiar sound. I startled everyone by saying "THAT'S A B-17!" and bolted from the room.
I went outside the plant and caught her just as she approached the area at about 1,000 feet. I took of my cap and waved - and by God, the pilot waggled its wings - and I damned near wet myself. For the life of me, I don't remember going back to the meeting, but boy, I will remember that event until my dying day.
I knew the head fueler there. I live nearby.
FYI there are 2 B 24 still flying. Diamond Lil is owned by the CAF and the other one is owned by the Collins Foundation.
Diamond Lil was the 38th B24 built.
There is nothing more beautiful than the sound of two or four radial engines when they are synced. I loved flying the old Twin Beeches and DC-3s. Didn't care to do much else when I was doing some air cargo work.