U.S.S. Lyete – February 13, 1948
On February 13, 1948, The aircraft carrier U.S.S. Lyete, (CV-32), was operating in the waters off Block Island conducting training exercises. On that day, aircraft from the Quonset Point Naval Air Station were sent to land on the carrier. The seas were rough, and the deck was rising and falling.
One aircraft, an F8F-1 Bearcat, (Bu. No. 95112), made a “hard landing” as the deck rose as the plane descended. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair but the pilot was not injured.
On the same day, a second F8F-1 Bearcat, (Bu. No. 95334) was also damaged upon landing, but the pilot was not hurt.
Other aircraft landed safely.
Both of the damage aircraft were assigned to VF-7A at Quonset Point.
Sources:
Two U.S. Navy accident reports date February 13, 1948