Groton, Connecticut – July 17, 1944
U.S. Navy F6F Hellcat
U.S. Navy photo
On July 17, 1944, Ensign Robert Byron took off in an F6F-3 Hellcat, (Bu. No. 41485), from Groton Field with a tow target secured to the tail of his airplane. He was to take part in a gunnery training exercise.
Immediately after takeoff the engine began to sputter and loose power before stopping completely. Ensign Byron crash landed in a creek with the tow target still attached.
The plane was damaged beyond repair. Ensign Byron suffered non-life threatening injuries.
Ensign Byron was assigned to Fighter Squadron 46, (VF-46)
The cause was found to be mechanical, and no fault was assigned to the pilot.
Source: U. S. Navy Accident Report, dated June 17, 1944
