Boone T. Guyton Test Pilot | New England Aviation History

Norwich, CT. – July 11, 1940

May 26, 2023

Norwich, Connecticut – July 11, 1940

Corsair Aircraft
U. S. Navy Photo

On July 11, 1940, navy test pilot Boone T, Guyton, (26), was piloting an experimental Vought-Sikorsky airplane over Norwich, Connecticut, when he was forced to make an emergency crash landing on the Norwich Golf Course. The plane struck a tree near the 14th fairway. Although the aircraft was damaged, Guyton was not seriously injured.

Although not stated in the newspaper article, it is surmised that the aircraft was an XF4U-1 Corsair, which would later become known as the F4U Corsair which saw service in WWII and the Korean War.

Source: The Waterbury Democrat, “Pilot Injured In Plane Crash”, July 12, 1940.

Boone Guyton survived another crash landing on March 15, 1943. Click here for more information.

Boone Guyton was also an author. One book he wrote was titled “Air Base” which was published in 1941. Another Book, Whistling Death – The Test Pilot’s Story of the F4U Corsair”.

To learn more about Boone Guyton, click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boone_Guyton

Stratford, CT. – March 15, 1943

February 9, 2019

Stratford, Connecticut – March 15, 1943

F4U Corsair
US Navy Photo

On March 15, 1943, Chance-Vought civilian test pilot Boone T. Guyton, was piloting an F4U-1 Corsair, (Bu. No. 02157), over the Stratford area. The aircraft had been brought to Chance-Vought and converted to a XF4U-3, with experimental equipment added. Mr. Guyton was testing the performance of the aircraft when the engine suddenly failed forcing him to make an emergency landing at Bridgeport Airport, (Today known as Sikorsky Memorial Airport.) Upon landing the aircraft struck a cement retaining wall. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair, and the pilot was seriously injured.

Investigation determined that one of the rods in the engine had seized causing the engine failure.

Guyton survived an earlier crash landing in Norwich, Connecticut, on July 11, 1940. Click here for more information.

Boone Guyton, (1913 – 1996), was a well known test pilot and navy veteran. He wrote a book of his experiences called “Whistling Death: The Test Pilot’s Story Of The F4U Corsair, published in 1991 and 1997.

Source:

U.S. Navy accident report #43-6245, dated March 15, 1943