Sandford, Maine – July 25, 1944
F6F Hellcat
U.S. Navy Photo
On July 25, 1944, several aircraft were taking part in a “carrier landing practice” exercise at the Sanford Naval Auxiliary Air Field. One aircraft was a F6F-3 Hellcat, (Bu. No. 42759). As the pilot made his landing on a simulated aircraft carrier deck platform the arresting wire broke causing the plane to swing violently to the right and skid for about 40 feet. The aircraft required a major overhaul, but the pilot was not injured.
Source:
U. S. Navy accident report dated July 25, 1944
