Bradley Field, Windsor Locks, Connecticut – August 4, 1944
On August 4, 1944, a flight of four P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft took off from Bradley Field for a formation training flight. Just after take off, one aircraft, a P-47D, (Ser. No. 42-22514), piloted by Lt. Sylvester F. Currier, began experiencing engine trouble. After informing the flight leader of his situation Lt. Currier was ordered to return to Bradley Field. As Currier was about 1.5 miles from the field black smoke began coming from the airplane’s exhaust. The flight leader advised the lieutenant to land on the nearest runway as there was very little wind. Unfortunately Lt. Currier’s aircraft didn’t make it to the runway, and crashed in a wooded area about a quarter of a mile from the end of Runway 6. The engine and landing gear were torn away, and although Lt. Currier was strapped to his seat, the seat broke loose and the lieutenant was slammed against the instrument panel. A small fire erupted, but was extinguished quickly by rescue crews. The aircraft was a total wreck.
Lt. Currier was not seriously injured. He’d received his pilot’s rating on April 15, 1944.
Source:
U. S. Army Air Forces Aircraft Accident report #45-8-4-15