Atlantic Ocean – April 19, 1945
On the morning of April 19, 1945, two FM-2 Wildcat aircraft were involved in a gunnery-training exercise ten miles south of Block Island, R. I. Both aircraft had just completed a run at a simulated target in the water, when one of the pilots noticed gas fumes in the cockpit of his aircraft, (Bu. No. 47109). He reported the trouble to the other pilot, and both aircraft began heading back to base. At 11:40 a.m., while both aircraft were still over the water, the engine of Bu. No. 47109 suddenly cut-out and stopped. The fuel gauge read 45 gallons. The pilot was unable to re-start the engine and made a wheels up emergency landing in the water. The plane remained afloat for about a minute giving the pilot time to escape. He was rescued a short time later by a navy sea plane. The aircraft was not recovered.
Both aircraft were assigned to VC-15.
Source: U.S. Navy accident report dated April 19, 1945.