Charlestown, R. I. – May 27, 1958

Charlestown, Rhode Island – May 27, 1958

 

Douglas Skyraider
U. S. Navy Photo

      On May 27, 1958, Lt. (Jg.) Paul John Marback was killed when the AD-5W Skyraider, (Bu. No. 132747), he was piloting crashed in Foster’s Cove in Charlestown.  

     Lt. (Jg.) Marback was assigned to VAW-12. 

     Source:

     Information supplied by Larry Webster, aviation historian, Charlestown, R. I. 

Charlestown, R. I. – April 22, 1944

Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Air Field – Rhode Island 

     On April 22, 1944, Ensign James Laverne Adams, (21), was a passenger in an automobile that was approaching the sentry gate of the Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Air Field in Charlestown, Rhode Island.  Evidently the driver did not come to s full stop for the sentry, and instead went rolling past the gate, at which time the sentry fire a bullet into the car which struck and killed Ensign Adams.  No further details are known. 

     Ensign Adams was a navy pilot assigned to VF(n)-79.

     To see a photo of Ensign Adams’ grave, click on the link below. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/29155683/james-laverne-adams

     Source:

     The Evening Star, (Washington, D.C.), “Navy Probes Slaying Of Ensign By Sentry”, April 24, 1944.   

 

Charlestown, R. I. – July 28, 1965

Charlestown Aux. Naval Air Station – July 28, 1965 

   

Douglas Skyraider
U. S. Navy Photo

    On July 28, 1965, a U. S. Navy Douglas Skyraider, (Bu. No. 135192), with three men aboard, was approaching the Charlestown Auxiliary Naval Air Station for a routine landing when the plane crashed into the water about 1oo yards short of the runway.  The pilot and an observer escaped before it sank, but the third man, Lt. (jg.) Alexander D. Harry, Jr., (25), did not, and perished. 

     The pilot and the observer were rescued by helicopter without serious injury. 

     The men has been attached to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 33, based at Quonset Point, Rhode Island.     

     Lt. (jg.) Harry was from Everett Massachusetts. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/238520094/alexander-dean-harry

     Source:

     Unknown Newspaper, “Navy Officer From Everett Plane Victim”, unknown date.  (Posted on www.findagrave.com)

Charlestown, R. I. – September 14, 1944

Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Air Field – September 14, 1944

 

F6F Hellcat
U.S. Navy Photo

     On September 14, 1944, an F6F-5N Hellcat, (Bu. No. 70596), was landing at the Charlestown NAAF when a tire blew out on touchdown, causing the aircraft to go off the runway and into a ditch.  The aircraft was damaged, but the pilot was not injured. 

     Source:

     U. S. Navy Accident Report, dated September 14, 1944 

Charlestown, R. I. – April 29, 1946

Charlestown, Rhode Island – April 29, 1946

 

SNJ Trainer Aircraft
U. S. Navy Photo

     At 4:17 p.m. on the afternoon of April 29, 1946, a U. S. Navy SNJ-4 aircraft, (Bu. No. 27284), took off from Mustin Air Field in Philadelphia bound for Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, New York. 

      The pilot was Lieutenant (Jg.) John Rodgers.  Also aboard was Signalman 2/c Albert E. Theriault, Jr. 

     As the aircraft neared Bennett Field it encountered bad weather. 

     At 6:58 p.m. Rodgers contacted the tower at Bennett Field and requested clearance to the Quonset Naval Air Station in Rhode Island.  Clearance was granted.

     As the aircraft was approaching southern Rhode Island it again encountered bad weather and low visibility forcing the pilot to fly on instruments.  As the plane was traveling over the town of Charlestown, R. I., it crashed in a wooded area about one mile east of the Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Air Field.  Both airmen perished in the crash.

     The back story to this accident is this: SM2/c Theriault had been serving aboard the light cruiser Monolulu berthed at Philadelphia.  His 23-year-old wife in Lawrence, Massachusetts, was pregnant with the couple’s first child and about to give birth.  Theriault was granted a 20 day leave to be at her side, which was the reason he was aboard the aircraft.  His funeral was held only a few hours after the birth of their child.   

     To see SM2/c Theriault’s gave, click here: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/140598268/albert-e-theriault 

     Sources:

     U. S. Navy Accident Report dated April 29, 1946

     The Waterbury Democrat, “Pilot Dies In Crash In Rhode Island”, April 30, 1946, page 9.  

     The Waterbury Democrat, “Child Is Born Before Funeral”, May 4, 1946

 

 

Charlestown, R. I. – April 10, 1945

Charlestown Navy Auxiliary Air Field – April 10, 1945

 

SB2C Helldiver
U.S. Navy Photo

     On the night of April 10 1945, a Curtis Helldiver, (Bu. No. 60242), took off from the Charlestown NAAF for a night training flight.  It was to be the pilot’s first time flying at night.  Shortly after takeoff the pilot realized that the landing gear wouldn’t retract, so he notified the control tower and returned to the base. 

     As it happened, there was an electrical problem with some of the runway lights as those in some areas were brighter or dimer than others.  Other pilots that night had reported this.  As the pilot approached the airfield he became confused with the lighting configuration as it was his first night landing at the field.   The pilot landed to the side of the runway, but not on the runway.  In doing so eight feet of the right wing was torn away and the aircraft skidded into another Helldiver, (Bu. No. 60222), (unoccupied), that was parked off the runway, tearing its left wing off.   

     Both airplanes were severely damaged but the pilot was not hurt. 

     Source: U. S. Navy Accident report dated April 10, 1945. 

Charlestown, R. I. – October 25, 1951

Charlestown, Rhode Island – October 25, 1951 

 

TBM-3E Avenger
U. S. Navy Photo

     On October 25, 1951, a flight of navy TBM-3 Avengers were making practice touch-and-go landings at the Charlestown Navy Auxiliary Air Field.  During the exercise, one of the  aircraft, (Bu. No. 53410) experienced  engine problems and crashed near the end of the runway.  The pilot was not seriously injured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. 

     Source: U. S. Navy report dated October 25, 1951 

Charlestown, R.I.- August 7, 1951

Charlestown Navy Auxiliary Air Field – August 7, 1951

 

TBM-3E Avenger
U. S. Navy Photo

     On August 7, 1951, a navy TBM-3E Avenger, (Bu. No. 63834), was engaged with four other TBM aircraft in a carrier landing practice exercise at the Charlestown NAAF.  The aircraft had made six successful touch-and-go landings.  On the seventh, the pilot of 63834 took off at full throttle and raised the landing gear at the same time.  Then the plane suddenly lost power and fell back onto the runway and skidded about 600 feet to a stop.  The aircraft required a major overhaul but there were no injuries. 

     All of the aircraft were assigned to VS-913.

     Source: U. S. Navy accident report dated August 7, 1951. 

Charlestown, R.I. – August 21, 1949

Charlestown, Rhode Island – August 21, 1949 

 

TBM-3E Avenger
U. S. Navy Photo

     On August 21, 1949, a navy TBM-3E Avenger, (Bu. No. 91508), made a normal landing at the Charlestown Navy Auxiliary Air Field.  Moments later the landing gear collapsed and the aircraft skidded to a stop on its belly.  There were no injuries.  

     Source: U. S. Navy accident report dated August 21, 1949.

Charlestown, R. I. – December 2, 1946

Charlestown, Rhode Island – December 2, 1946 

 

TBM-3E Avenger
U. S. Navy Photo

     On December 2, 1946, a navy TBM-3E Avenger, (Bu. No. 91648), left the Quonset Point Naval Air Station bound for the Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Air Field.  Upon landing at Charlestown, a landing gear strut snapped causing the aircraft to veer off the runway, at which time the entire landing gear assembly collapsed causing the aircraft to skid to a stop on its belly.  Despite significant damage to the airplane, the pilot and radio operator were not injured. 

     Source: U. S. Navy accident report dated December 2, 1946.    

Charlestown, R. I. – April 22, 1946

Charlestown, Rhode Island – April 22, 1946

 

SB2C Helldiver
U.S. Navy Photo

     On the evening of April 22, 1946, a flight of six navy SB2C Helldiver aircraft were returning to the Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Air Field after a training flight.  There was considerable fog and haze hanging over the area at the time.

     The flight was in three sections of two planes each.  As the aircraft came over the field at 800 feet, they made a normal breakup in preparation for landing.   After all aircraft were down, it was discovered that one was missing.  That aircraft was, (Bu. No. 83625), piloted by Ensign Coy A Stephenson, Jr., (23), accompanied by his gunner, ARM2/c Walter J. Edwards.  A search was instituted, but low visibility made it difficult.  The missing plane was found to have crashed in the water not far off shore, and both men aboard had perished in the accident.

     The men had been assigned to VB-20.

     To see a photo of Ensign Stephenson’s grave click on link below. 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/8330321/coy-addey-stephenson

     Source:  U. S. Navy accident report dated April 22, 1946.

 

Charlestown, R. I. – August 30, 1949

Charlestown, Rhode Island – August 30, 1949

 

F8F Bearcat
U. S. Navy Photo

     On August 30, 1949, a navy F8F-1 Bearcat, (Bu. No. 121560), was making practice touch-and-go landings at the Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Air Field.  During the training exercise, the right landing gear collapsed upon touchdown, and the right wing, belly, and fuselage were damaged, but the pilot was not hurt. 

     Source:

     U. S. Navy accident report dated August 30, 1949.

 

Charlestown, R. I. – September 22, 1944

Charlestown, Rhode Island – September 22, 1944

 

U.S. Navy F6F Hellcat
U.S. Navy photo

     On the afternoon of September 22, 1944, a navy F6F-3 Hellcat fighter, (Bu. No. 26052), was taking off from the Charlestown Navy Auxiliary Air Field when the engine suddenly lost all power just after the plane became airborne.  The aircraft fell back to the runway and the fuselage broke in half, but there was no fire.  The pilot suffered serious injuries and the aircraft was a total loss.  

     Source:

     U. S. Navy accident report dated September 22, 1944.

 

Charlestown, R. I. – April 27, 1944

Charlestown, Rhode Island – April 27, 1944

 

U.S. Navy SBD Dauntless
U.S. Navy Photo.

     On the afternoon of April 27, 1944, a Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless, (Bu. No. 09747), overshot the runway while landing at the Charlestown Navy Auxiliary Air Field.  The aircraft was on a ferry mission with a Marine Corp 1st lieutenant aboard.   The aircraft first touched down at the approximate midpoint of the 1,400 foot runway.  To the right of the runway was a parked twin-engine PBM Mariner with a bomb truck parked alongside.   When the pilot of the Dauntless applied full brakes the aircraft swerved to the right, and its right wing struck the bomb truck causing the aircraft to pivot and crash into the fuselage of the Mariner. The pilot was not injured but the passenger suffered a cut lip.  No other injuries were reported concerning the truck or the Mariner.  Both aircraft were damaged beyond repair. 

     Source:

     U. S. Navy accident report #44-15665, dated April 27, 1944.   

Charlestown, R. I. – March 3, 1943

Charlestown, Rhode Island – March 3, 1943

 

U.S. Navy SBD Dauntless
U.S. Navy Photo.

     On March 3, 1943, a Douglass SBD-4 Dauntless, (Bu. No. 10448), was taking off from the Charlestown Navy Auxiliary Air Field when the engine lost power and the aircraft crashed.  The aircraft was damaged beyond repair, but the crew was not injured.

     Source:

     U. S. Navy accident report dated March 3, 1943.

Charlestown, R. I. – February 12, 1943

Charlestown, Rhode Island – February 12, 1943

 

U.S. Navy SBD Dauntless
U.S. Navy Photo.

     On February 12, 1943, a pilot was making practice landings and take-offs at the Charlestown Navy Auxiliary Air Field in a Douglas SBD-4 Dauntless, (Bu. No. 06850), when he crash-landed due to cross winds.  The aircraft sustained heavy damage, but the pilot and his gunner were not injured.   

     Source:

     U. S. Navy accident report #43-5790, dated February 12, 1943   

Charlestown, R. I. – September 15, 1943

Charlestown, R. I. – September 15, 1943

 

Douglas SBD-6 Dauntless
U.S. Navy Photo

     On the night of September 15, 1943, a pilot was making practice carrier landings at the Charlestown Navy Auxiliary Field in a Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless, (Bu. No. 11057).  On his third approach he was given a “high out” and due to darkness, made a hold-off landing.  The plane stalled and came down on the port landing gear causing it to collapse and break off causing damage to the port wing.  As the plane settled the propeller was also damaged.  The pilot was not hurt.      

     The pilot was assigned to VC-32.

     Source:

     U.S. Navy accident report dated September 15, 1943, #44-8014

Charlestown, R.I. – August 9, 1948

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         

Charlestown, R. I. – July 12, 1949

Charlestown, Rhode Island – July 12, 1949

 

Douglas Skyraider
U. S. Navy Photo

     On July 12, 1949, an AD-2 Skyraider, (Bu. No. 122320), was attempting to land on Runway 22 at the Charlestown Navy Auxiliary Air Field when the left wing suddenly dropped and struck the runway causing the aircraft to cartwheel.  As it cartwheeled the momentum tore the engine loose from the aircraft.  When the aircraft came to rest the pilot managed to extricate himself before the wreckage was consumed by flames.  Remarkably, the pilot was reportedly not injured.

     Source:

     U. S. Navy accident report dated July 12, 1949   

Charlestown, R. I. – October 10, 1949

Charlestown, Rhode Island – October 10, 1949 

 

Douglas Skyraider
U. S. Navy Photo

     On October 10, 1949, an AD-1 Skyraider, (Bu. No. 122818), was making mock carrier  take offs and landings at the Charlestown Navy Auxiliary Air Field when the aircraft crash-landed and burned.  The pilot escaped, but suffered serious burns.    

     Source:

     U. S. Navy accident report dated October 10, 1949.

Charlestown, R. I. – October 15, 1943

Charlestown, Rhode Island – October 15, 1943

 

TBF-1 Avenger
U. S. Navy Photo

     On October 15, 1943, a lone pilot flying a TBF-1 Avenger, (Bu. No. 47438), was practicing take offs and landings at Charlestown Navy Auxiliary Air Field when he crashed due to insufficient air speed. The aircraft was a total loss but the pilot was not injured.

     The aircraft was assigned to VT-14

     Source:

     U. S. Navy accident report #44-5161  

Charlestown, R. I. – September 21, 1943

Charlestown, Rhode Island – September 21, 1943

 

TBF-1 Avenger
U. S. Navy Photo

     On September 21, 1943, a TBF-1 Avenger, (Bu. No. 24126), crashed while making practice landings and takeoffs at the Charlestown Navy Auxiliary Air Field.  The lone pilot aboard was not injured, but the aircraft required a major overhaul. 

     The cause was determined to be a failure of the fuel selector valve.  

     The aircraft was assigned to VC-43.

     Source:

     U. S. Navy accident report # 44-5724

Charlestown, R. I. – December 9, 1943

Charlestown, Rhode Island – December 9, 1943

 

TBF-1 Avenger
U. S. Navy Photo

     On December 9, 1943, a TBF-1 Avenger, (Bu. No. 23961), with a lone pilot aboard, was making practice landings and takeoffs at Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Air Field.  As the pilot was approaching to land, flying at 90 knots, 100 feet over the water, the engine suddenly lost all power and a successful emergency water landing was made.  The pilot was rescued, but the aircraft sank, and was not immediately salvaged due to weather conditions.  The aircraft was a total loss.

     The aircraft was assigned to VT-13.

     Source: U. S. Navy accident report # 44-10172 

 

Charlestown, R.I. – August 2, 1945

Charlestown, Rhode Island – August 2, 1945

 

U.S. Navy F6F Hellcat
U.S. Navy photo

     At 7:55 a.m. on the morning of August 2, 1945, Ensign Walter G. Davies was taking off from Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Air Field in an F6F-5 Hellcat, (Bu. No. 78413), when the engine suddenly lost all power.  The plane dropped back onto the end of the runway where it continued off the tarmac and over an eight-foot embankment where it nosed over onto its back.  The pilot was freed by the base crash-rescue team and wasn’t injured.  The aircraft was a total loss.

     Source:

     U. S. Navy crash report dated August 2, 1945   

Charlestown, R. I. – August 30, 1945

Charlestown, Rhode Island – August 30, 1945

 

F6F Hellcat
U.S. Navy Photo

     On August 30, 1945, an F6F-5, (Bu. No. 78419), was taking off on Runway 7 at Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Air Field when the engine suddenly lost power and the plane came back down on the tarmac and flipped over.  The aircraft was wrecked, but the pilot was not seriously injured. 

     Source:

     U. S. Navy crash report dated August 30, 1945  

Charlestown, R. I. – August 10, 1945

Charlestown, Rhode Island – August 10, 1945

 

U.S. Navy F6F Hellcat
U.S. Navy photo

     There were two aviation related accidents which occurred at Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Air Field on this date.  

     At 8:15 a.m. on the morning of August 10, 1945, an F6F Hellcat aircraft was parked on the taxiway at Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Air Field, with its engine running in preparation for takeoff.  Meanwhile, the LOS truck came up along side and parked next to it, waiting for the aircraft to begin its takeoff.  As this was taking place, a second F6F Hellcat, (Bu. No. 40737), taxied up from behind and struck the LSO truck causing significant damage to the truck and the aircraft, but nobody was injured.     

     The second accident occurred at 10:31 a.m., while Lieutenant R. A. Reese was making practice carrier landings at Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Air Field in an F6F-5 Hellcat, (Bu. No. 41190), using a tail hook and arresting cable.  As he came in for a landing the tail hook snagged the arresting cable, and the cable snapped, causing the aircraft to make a 180 degree ground loop which resulted in major damage to the plane.  Lieutenant Reese was not hurt.  

     Sources:

     U. S. Navy crash reports dated August 10, 1945 

 

Charlestown, R. I. – May 29, 1945

Charlestown, Rhode Island – May 29, 1945

 

U.S. Navy F6F Hellcat
U.S. Navy photo

     Just after midnight, on the morning of May 29, 1945, Lieutenant David Warren Allen took off from the Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Air Field in an F6F-5n Hellcat, (Bu. No. 79104), for an OCI interception flight.  The night was particularly dark with scattered rain squalls.  Lt. Allen’s plane was last seen 100 feet in the air and climbing.  It was later learned that Lt. Allen was killed when his plane crashed into the water not far from the end of the runway. 

     There were no eye witnesses to the accident.  Due to the fact that Lt. Allen was an experienced pilot with 2,000 hours of air time, investigators concluded that the accident was caused by mechanical or structural failure of the aircraft.   

     To see a photo of Lt. Allen, click on the link below. 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/49877138/david-warren-allen

     Source: U. S. Navy accident report.

Charlestown, R.I. – December 7, 1943

Charlestown, Rhode Island – December 7, 1943

 

U.S. Navy F6F Hellcat
U.S. Navy photo

     On December 7, 1943, Lt. (jg.) Spero Constantine was making a landing approach to the runway at the Charlestown Auxiliary Naval Air Field when the engine of his F6F-3N Hellcat, (Bu. No. 40354), suddenly lost all power.  Unable to make it to the runway, the aircraft landed in the water off the end of the runway and sank.  Fortunately the water was only eight feet deep and the pilot was able to extricate himself.  Due to its total submersion in salt water, the aircraft was scrapped.   

     Lt.(jg.) Constantine was assigned to Fighter Squadron 77, (VF-77)

     Source: U.S. Navy Accident Report #44-10142, dated December 7, 1943

Charlestown, R.I. – September 26, 1945

Charlestown, Rhode Island – September 26, 1945 

 

U.S. Navy F6F Hellcat
U.S. Navy photo

     On the evening of September 26, 1945, Ensign G. R. Looney was piloting an F6F-5 Hellcat, (Bu. No. 72031), over Charlestown Auxiliary Naval Air Station in preparation for landing.  After being cleared to land, he made his approach towards the runway, and discovered that his aircraft was no longer responding to the throttle controls.  He radioed the tower and declared an emergency and was advised to turn towards the duty runway.  As he did so he saw other aircraft at the end of the runway, and realized if he landed he would collide with them, so he aimed for a small hill beyond.  There he was able to stall the aircraft and crash land into the trees.  The plane was wrecked, but Ensign Looney was not injured. 

     Investigation revealed that the cause of the accident was due to a broken throttle linkage. 

     Source: National Archives, AAR 94-45, TD450926RI, via Larry Webster, Aviation Historian, Charlestown, R.I.

Charlestown, R.I. – February 10, 1945

Charlestown, Rhode Island – February 19, 1945

 

U.S. Navy F6F Hellcat
U.S. Navy photo

     On the night of February 10, 1945, Ensign Marion Joseph Keenan left Charlestown Auxiliary Naval Air Station for a night bombing training flight. He was piloting an F6F-5 Hellcat, (Bu. No. 71005).  After the flight, he returned to Charlestown NAS.  As he touched down on Runway 12, his landing gear struck a snowdrift that had formed across the runway causing the plane to nose over and skid along the tarmac until it came to rest.  The aircraft suffered significant damage, but Ensign Keenan was not injured.

     Source: U.S. Navy Accident Report dated February 10, 1945

Charlestown, R. I. – May 16, 1944

Charlestown, Rhode Island – May 16, 1944 

Charlestown Auxiliary Naval Air Station

 

U.S. Navy F6F Hellcat
U.S. Navy photo

    On May 16, 1944, Ensign Marion F. DeMasters took off from Charlestown Auxiliary Naval Air Station in an F6F-3 Hellcat, (Bu. No. 42550), for a rocket gunnery practice flight over Matunuck  Beach, about five miles from the airfield.  This training consisted of diving from an altitude of 6,000 feet towards a simulated target on the beach while maintaining a constant 40 degree glide angle. 

     While making his seventh training dive for the day, a large portion of the rear stabilizer suddenly tore away.  Ensign DeMasters was able to bring his aircraft in for an emergency landing at the air station, but just as he was about to touch down a gust of wind forced the right wing to strike the runway.  The aircraft suffered severe damage, but the pilot was not hurt.

     Ensign DeMasters was assigned to VF-74.  

      Source:

     U.S. Navy Accident Report #44-14219

Charlestown, R.I. – March 2, 1945

Charlestown, Rhode Island – March 2, 1945 

Charlestown Auxiliary Naval Air Field

     Updated July 13, 2017

U.S. Navy F6F Hellcat
U.S. Navy photo

     At 11:15 p.m. on March 2, 1945, Lt. (jg.) Kenneth B. McQuady, age 21, took off from Charlestown Auxiliary Naval Air Station in an F6F-5N Hellcat, (Bu. No. 71418,) for a night training flight.  Just after he became airborne, his aircraft was seen to lose altitude and crash on the ice covered water of Charlestown Pond at the end of Runway 22.  Upon impact the belly tank ruptured and caught fire.  The plane bounced another 100 yards before coming to rest.   Lt. McQuady received fatal injuries.

     Lt. McQuady is buried in Wildwood Cemetery in Bartow, Florida.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/37759116/kenneth-bruce-mcquady

     The propeller from Lieutenant McQuady’s Hellcat was recovered years after his accident and presented to the Quonset Air Museum and made into a memorial.     

Quonset Air Museum Memorial to Lt. Jg. Kenneth Bruce McQuady

Description of accident that killed Lt. McQuady

     Unfortunately, since this original posting, the Quonset Air Museum has closed.

     Sources:

     Quonset Air Museum 

     U.S. Navy Accident Report dated March 2, 1945

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