She was severely injured by an aircraft crash on February 22, 1943, when a USO plane carrying Froman and 38 others crashed into the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal. One of fifteen survivors, Froman sustained horrible injuries: a cut below the left knee nearly severing her leg, multiple fractures of her right arm, and a compound fracture of her right leg that doctors threatened to amputate.

The co-pilot, John Curtis Burn, who broke his back in the crash, held on to Jane to keep her afloat. After being rescued, they were sent to the same convalescent home, where they battled their long recoveries together. John Burn and Jane Froman were later married, only to be divorced eight years later (1948-1956).

Froman underwent 39 operations over the years. She stubbornly fought amputation, but with dignity and aplomb wore a leg brace the remainder of her life. However, she returned and entertained the troops in World War II, despite having to walk with crutches, giving 95 shows throughout Europe