Off Charlestown, Rhode Island – July 13, 1944
U.S. Navy F6F Hellcat
U.S. Navy photo
On the night of July 13, 1944, a flight of U.S. Navy F6F Hellcats were practicing night field landings at the Charlestown Auxiliary Naval Air Field. The night was relatively dark with no moon, and low cloud overcast obstructed the horizon line. The aircraft were flying a in wide circle pattern at an altitude of only 200 feet.
At approximately 11:45 p.m., two observers at the signal platform thought they heard an aircraft engine cutting-out followed by a possible crash into the water. The control tower was notified, and a roll call of the aircraft was begun. One of the pilots to acknowledge the roll call was an Ensign who was piloting (Bu. No. 41478). However, just as he was replacing the microphone he struck the water. He managed to escape before the plane sank and was rescued shortly afterwards.
When the roll call was completed, it was discovered that Ensign Gerald V. Brostkaux, piloting F6F-3N, (Bu. No. 42954) was missing. An oil slick was later found in the water where it was believed his plane went down.
Both pilots were assigned to Night Fighter Squadron 102, (VF(N)-102)
Source: U.S. Navy Accident Report, dated July 13, 1944
