Squantum Naval Air Station – April 6, 1952
TBM-3E Avenger
U. S. Navy Photo
On April 6, 1952, a navy TBM-3E Avenger, (Bu. No. 53112), was returning to the Squantum Naval Air Station after a routine familiarization flight. As the pilot approached Runway 26 from over the water, there was a strong crosswind blowing. Just before landing, the aircraft suddenly dropped below the level of the runway, and the landing gear struck the erosion preventing rip-rap at the end of the runway. The impact tore the landing gear away and the aircraft came down on its belly and skidded 200 feet to a stop. There was no fire. The pilot was not injured, but the airplane was damaged beyond repair.
Source: U. S. Navy accident report dated April 6, 1952.
