Charlestown, Rhode Island – August 9, 1948
F8F Bearcat
U. S. Navy Photo
On August 9, 1948, an F8F-1 Bearcat, (Bu. No. 94782), was taking off from the Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Air Station when the engine lost power just after the plane had become airborne and the wheels had been retracted. The aircraft came back down on the runway crushing its fully loaded belly tank which exploded and enveloped the aircraft in flames. The aircraft skidded for 1,500 feet before coming to rest. The pilot was able to extricate himself, but the aircraft was consumed by fire.
The aircraft was assigned to Fighter Squadron 10A, (VF-10A).
Source:
U. S. Navy accident report dated August 9, 1948
