Quonset Point, R. I. – May 6, 1948

Quonset Point, Rhode Island – May 6, 1948

     On May 6, 1948, a flight of U. S. Navy Phantom fighter-jets left the Quonset Point Naval Air Station for a training flight to the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Saipan operating fifty miles off the coast of New England.  All aircraft were part of Fighter Squadron 17, (VF-17), stationed at Quonset Point. 

     Later in the day the aircraft took off from the Saipan and returned to Quonset.  As the aircraft were passing over Narragansett Bay approaching Quonset Point, one of the jets, (Bu. No. 111787), was seen to suddenly turn upside down as its tail section broke away.  The aircraft then dove into the water about 500 feet off the Quonset runway.   The pilot, Commander Ralph A. Fuoss, (33), did not survive. 

     When the tail section to Commander Fuoss’ aircraft broke away, it struck the wing of another jet, Bu. No. 111796.  That aircraft landed safely.        

     Commander Fuoss was a combat veteran of World War II, and had been stationed at Quonset Point since September of 1947.  He’s buried in Logan Valley Cemetery in Bellwood, Penn.  To view a photo of Commander Fuoss click here:  https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/9911747/ralph-albert-fuoss 

     Sources:

     The Nashua Telegraph, “Jet Plane Pilot Loses Life When Plane Hits Water”, May 7, 1948, page 10. 

     www.findagrave.com 

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. 

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