The Boeing B-17C wreck is a military aviation wreck that occurred on November 2, 1941 near Tells Peak, California.  On October 31, 1941, 1st Lieutenant Leo Walker arrived in Reno, Nevada en route to have an engine changed in Sacramento, CA.  With territorial gains by the Japanese, reinforcements were needed for the Far East Air Force in the Philippines.  This meant that all B-17Cs were scheduled to depart for Hickam Field in Hawaii on December 6, 1941, which was the day before Pearl Harbor.  While in Reno, the weather deteriorated during this time & after two days & being anxious, Walker & eight passengers left Reno at 11:15am on November 2 for Sacramento.  Finding severe turbulence above 18,000 feet, their supercharger began to fail meaning they couldn't climb any higher.  This prompted Walker to pilot the plane back to Reno as he told everyone on board to wear their parachutes.  As the plane rolled to its back, it fell into a spin.  Walker remained at the controls while the remaining crews abandoned the plane, some unwillingly.  Corporal Sterling Isom was thrown through the glass of the gunner's turret while Private Alden H. Stookey was ripped through a hole in the fuselage.  While the parachutes helped them drift into the Sierra foothills, they watched as the B-17 broke apart in the sky w/ Walker still on board.  Today one can see various parts of the wreck strewn about over a mile area.  The largest piece is seen here, the wing & main spar are visible in the largest piece of the wreck.  A lot of people know about this site, graffiti dating back to 70 years ago is found etched on the metal.  The site is of historical significance & a protected location w/ any removal of the wreck illegal, a small metal plaque lies along the nacelle in memory of pilot Leo Walker.

Source: http://www.baseballsgreatestsacrifice.com/biographies/walker_leo.html