Burlington, Vermont – December 21, 1955
T-33 Trainer Jet
U.S. Air Force Photo
On December 21, 1955, an Air Force Lockheed T-33 trainer jet, (Ser. No. 52-9613), with two men aboard, was flying over the Burlington area when the engine failed. They opted to remain with the jet to steer it away from a populated area. The plane crashed in a snow covered field and both men perished.
The pilot of the plane was identified as 2nd Lt. Robert H. Smith, 24, of Moorestown, N.J. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/120118886/robert-harvey-smith
The second man abord was not identified in the press pending notification of next of kin.
Source:
Evening Bulletin, ” Two Die In Jet Crash”, December 22, 1955, Pg. 17.
