Atlantic Ocean – September 16, 1944
On the afternoon of September 16, 1944, a Navy TBF-1C Avenger, (Bu. No. 47759), was taking part in a glide-bombing training exercise seven miles southwest of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Several other aircraft were also participating. Each aircraft would make a run at the target from 5,000 feet at an angle of 45 degrees, and pull out of the dive at 1,200 to 1,500 feet, with a 2,000 yard interval maintained between planes.
The pilot of Bu. No. 47759 made four successful runs at the target. On the fifth run, the aircraft was observed to make a 50 degree dive at the target from which it did not recover. The aircraft plunged into the water just short of the dye marker and disappeared immediately. No wreckage was recovered thereby leaving the cause of the accident unknown.
All aboard Bu. No. 47759 were killed.
The pilot: Ensign Townsend Doyle
Radioman: ARM3c Theodore H. Jaffe
Gunner: AOM3c Anthony N. Kulsa
The aircraft was assigned to VT-43.
Source:
U. S. Navy accident report dated September 16, 1944