MACR and AR Explainer

MACR and AR Description

Losses of aircraft and crew were reported in two ways: a Missing Air Crew Report (MACR), or an Accident Report (AR). When the loss occurred entirely within allied-controlled territory, and all crew, as well as the aircraft itself, were secured under allied control, an Accident Report was used. If the aircraft or any of the crew were lost in enemy-controlled territory, or was reported missing with location unknown, a MACR was used. Additional discussion of MACRs, and a NARA microfilm index, are contained in NARA Report M1380⇓, Missing Air Crew Reports (MACRs) of the U.S. Army Air Forces, 1942-1947. MACRs typically contain abbreviations, as described below.

Beginning 11 June 1943, the U.S. Army Air Forces (AAF) required groups to submit Missing Air Crew Reports (MACRs) to AAF headquarters within 48 hours 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 assigned number of 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.