Quonset Point Naval Air Station – August 19, 1953
The circumstances of this crash are unknown as of this writing. The photos are dated August 19, 1953.
Quonset Point, R. I. – September 23, 1943
January 21, 2025
Quonset Point Naval Air Station
F6F Hellcat
U. S. Navy Photo
On September 23, 1943 an F6F-3 Hellcat, (Bu. No. 25970), crash landed on runway 34 causing damage to the propeller and underside. The pilot was not injured.
Source: Quonset Point Crash Logs at Providence College library.
Narragansett Bay – June 15, 1953
January 11, 2025
Narragansett Bay, R. I. – June 15, 1953
U.S. Navy Avenger
U. S. Navy Photo
On June 15, 1953, navy pilot, (Rank unknown), John Ruskin Noble, (24), of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was killed while taking off in a TBM Avenger, (Bu. No. 53730), at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station. As he was becoming airborne the plane suddenly lost power and crashed into Narragansett Bay at the end of the runway.
He was assigned to VS-32.
Sources:
Info supplied by Larry Webster, Aviation Historian, Charlestown, R. I.
R. I. Department of Health death certificate #8059-26
Narragansett Bay – June 20, 1957
January 11, 2025
Narragansett Bay, R. I. – June 20, 1957
Douglas Skyraider
U. S. Navy Photo
On June 20, 1957, Lt. (J.g.) John G. Hughes III, (25) was killed when the Ad Skyraider he was piloting crashed into Narragansett Bay off the end of runway 34 at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station. The details of the crash are not known.
He was survived by his wife.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/2515963/john-grese-hughes
Sources:
Info supplied by Larry Webster, aviation historian, Charlestown, R. I.
North Kingstown death records #57-38
www.findagrave.com
Narragansett Bay – September 9, 1956
January 11, 2025
Narragansett Bay, R. I. – September 9, 1956
Douglas Skyraider
U. S. Navy Photo
On September 9, 1956, Ensign Paul Robert Steese, (21), was killed when the Ad Skyraider aircraft he was piloting crashed in Narragansett Bay off the end of runway 19 at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station. The details of the crash are not known.
Ensign Steese was assigned to the 75th Attack Squadron.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/129886319/paul-robert-steese
Sources:
Information supplied by Larry Webster, Aviation Historian, Charlestown, R. I.
North Kingstown death records #56-56
www.findagrave.com
Quonset Point, R. I. – August 29, 1953
January 4, 2025
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – August 29, 1953
On August 29, 1953, the pilot of a navy F9F Panther jet, (Bu. No. 125272), was making a landing approach at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station when the plane ran out of fuel and crashed 400 yards from the end of the runway. The aircraft was destroyed. Injuries to the pilot are unknown.
Source:
Aviation Safety Network
Quonset Point, R. I. – February 24, 1948
January 3, 2025
Quonset Point Naval Air Station
This accident occurred on February 24, 1948, at the end of runway 34. The aircraft was a Martin AM-1 Mauler, (Bu. No. 22265). The pilot’s last name was Marshall. The details of the crash are not known.
Click on image to enlarge.
Quonset Point, R. I. – September 10, 1943
January 1, 2025
Quonset Point Naval Air Station
F6F Hellcat
U. S. Navy Photo
On the morning of September 10, 1943, the pilot of an F6F Hellcat, (Bu. No. 08892), made a wheels up landing on runway 1 at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station. The plane skidded to a stop with severe damage, but the pilot was not injured.
Source: Quonset Point Crash log at Providence College Library archives.
Quonset Point, R. I. – September 22, 1953
December 30, 2024
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – September 22, 1953
Douglas Skyraider
U. S. Navy Photo
On September 22, 1953, Lieutenant Commander Richard Bennett, 34, of Presque Isle, Maine, was making a landing approach to runway 34 at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station in an AD-1 Skyraider, (Bu. No. 09244), when the plane suddenly crashed near the end of the runway killing him. No further details are known.
Lt. Cmdr. Bennett had been assigned to the Norfolk Naval Air Station since August 31, 1952.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/123112795/richard-dale-bennett
Click on images to enlarge.
Source:
Evening Star, (Wash. D.C.), “Norfolk Naval Aviator Dies In Crash At Quonset”, September 23, 1953.
Quonset Point, R. I. – August 30, 1943
December 28, 2024
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – August 30, 1943
F6F Hellcat
U. S. Navy Photo
On August 30, 1943, a F6F-3 Hellcat fighter plane, (Bu. No. 26171), was making a landing on runway 19 at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station when the right side landing gear collapsed forcing the aircraft off the runway damaging the right wing and propeller. The pilot was not injured.
Source:
Quonset Point Crash Log at Providence College Library archives.
Quonset Point, R. I. – August 27, 1943
December 28, 2024
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – August 27, 1943
U.S. Navy Grumman Avenger
U.S. Navy Photo
At 1:00 p.m. on the afternoon of August 27, 1943, a TBF Avenger, (Bu. No. 23945), made an emergency landing with only one wheel down at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station. Upon doing so, the aircraft ground looped off the runway breaking a wing and the propeller. There were no injuries to the pilot or crew aboard.
Source:
Quonset Point Crash Log at Providence College Library archives.
Quonset Point, R. I. – August 18, 1943 (#2)
December 22, 2024
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – August 18, 1943, (#2)
F4U Corsair
US Navy Photo
At 10:50 a.m. on the morning of August 18, 1943, a British Royal Navy F4U Corsair, (Bu. No. JT-143), was landing on runway 34 when the plane ground looped off the tarmac and flipped onto its back. The pilot was not injured.
This was the second such crash in the same day. At 9:50 a.m. an F6f Hellcat had ground looped off runway 28.
Quonset Point NAS – Aug. 18, 1943, (#1)
Source: Quonset Point Crash Log at Providence College Library archives.
Quonset Point, R. I. – July 10, 1943
December 22, 2024
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – July 10, 1943
British Royal Navy Martlet IV Fighter
U.S. Navy Photo
On July 10, 1943, a British Royal Navy Martlet IV, a.k.a. F4F Wildcat, (Bu. No. JV-366), lost power and crashed on takeoff from runway 19 at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station. The airplane went into an unused gun mount and shed, tearing away the landing gear, before coming to rest against a wall. The pilot was not injured.
Source:
Quonset Point Crash Log, at Providence College Library archives.
Quonset Point, R. I. – August 2, 1943
December 21, 2024
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – August 2, 1943
SBD Dauntless
U. S. Navy Photo
At 3:30 p.m. on the afternoon of August 2, 1943, a flight of SBD Dauntless aircraft were making a formation takeoff on runway 23 when two of the aircraft collided and locked wings. The propeller of each plane chewed up the wing of the other causing extensive damage to each, but neither pilot was injured.
The aircraft involved were Bu. No. 28563, and 28593.
Both aircraft were assigned to VC-43.
Source: Quonset Point Crash Logs at Providence College Library archives.
Quonset Point, R. I. – July 30, 1943
December 21, 2024
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – July 30, 1943
TBF-1 Avenger
U. S. Navy Photo
At 10:40 p.m. on the night of July 30, 1943, a TBF Avenger, (Bu. No. 06097), with a pilot and two crewmen aboard, made an emergency wheels up crash-landing on runway 5. There were no injuries.
Source:
Quonset Point Crash Log at the Providence College Library archives.
Quonset Point, R. I. – July 29, 1943
December 21, 2024
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – July 29, 1943
U.S. Navy FM-2 Wildcat
U.S. Navy Photo
At 5:20 p.m. on the evening of July 29, 1943, crash/rescue trucks at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station were sent to stand-by on runway 19 for an incoming F4F-3 Wildcat, (Bu. No. 5164), the pilot of which had declared an emergency. The aircraft crash landed and ground looped off the runway causing damage to the aircraft but the pilot was not injured.
Source:
Quonset Point Crash Log at Providence College Library archives.
Narragansett Bay – July 24, 1943
December 20, 2024
Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island – July 24, 1943
F4U Corsair
US Navy Photo
On July 24, 1943, Sub Lieutenant Kenneth Lester Boddington of the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserves was piloting an F4U Corsair, (Bu. No. JT-129), on a training flight. As he was approaching runway 23 at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station to make a landing, his aircraft was seen to suddenly go into a spin and crash into the water about 3/4 of a mile from the end of the runway. The cause of the accident is not known. His body was recovered and he was buried in Island Cemetery in Newport, Rhode Island.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/15037591/kenneth-lester-boddington
Source:
Quonset Point Crash Log, at Providence College Library
Quonset Point, R. I. – July 24, 1943
December 20, 2024
Quonset Point Naval Air Station
F4U Corsair
US Navy Photo
At 4:48 p.m. on July 24, 1943, a Royal Air Force F4U Corsair, (Bu. No. JT-166), crash landed and came to rest on its nose on runway 34 at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station. The pilot was not injured,
Source: Quonset Point Crash Log, at Providence College Library.
Quonset Point, R.I. – September 1, 1943
December 20, 2024
Quonset Point Naval Air Station
On September 1, 1943, a British TBM Avenger, (Bu. No. JZ-316), landed at the end of runway 23 at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station and collided with an American SB2A Buccaneer, (Bu. No. 29237), that was taxiing. Both aircraft received “considerable” damage the their right wings, but there were no injuries to crews.
Source:
Quonset Point Crash Logs at Providence College Library
Quonset Point, R. I. – August 31, 1943
December 18, 2024
Quonset Point Naval Air Station
U.S. Navy Grumman Avenger
U.S. Navy Photo
At 11:12 a.m. on August 31, 1943, a navy TBF Avenger, (Bu. No. 23886), was landing at the Quonset Point Naval Air station when it ground looped off runway 10 and crashed into a building used for pistol practice. The aircraft and building were damaged, but there were no injuries.
Source:
Quonset point Crash Log, 1943, at Providence College Library
Quonset Point, R. I. – July 6, 1943
December 18, 2024
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – July 6, 1943
British Royal Navy Martlet IV Fighter
U.S. Navy Photo
On July 6, 1943, a British R.A.F., Martlet IV, a.k.a. F4F Wildcat fighter plane, (Bu. No. RN-738), was taking off at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station when it suddenly ground looped and went of the runway into some dirt and nosed over. The aircraft was damaged but the pilot was not injured.
Source:
Quonset Point Crash Log, 1943, at Providence College.
Quonset Point, R. I. – December 6, 1943
December 16, 2024
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – December 6, 1943
U.S. Navy Grumman Avenger
U.S. Navy Photo
At 8:50 a.m. on the morning of December 6, 1943, a TBF Avenger, (Bu. No. 24400), was taxiing when it collided with a parked F6F Hellcat, (Bu. No. 66139), chewing up the tail of the Hellcat and causing damage to the propeller of the Avenger. Fortunately there were no injuries, and no fire. Both aircraft were assigned to VF-14.
Source:
Quonset Point Crash Log, November 25, 1943, to 1944 – Providence College Library.
F6F Hellcat
U. S. Navy Photo
Exeter, R. I. – June 20, 1944
December 14, 2024
Exeter, Rhode Island – June 20, 1944
Hellcat Fighters
U.S. Navy Photo
On June 20, 1944, a flight of three Grumman F6F Hellcat aircraft took off from Quonset Point Naval Air Station for a routine training flight. As the aircraft were passing over the town of Exeter, one of them, (Bu. No. 58727), crashed into a wooded area about 100 yards from Nooseneck Hill Road across from the Dial restaurant. The pilot, Ensign Edward T. Sherman, (20), was killed.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/35201505/edward-tallman-sherman
Source:
Providence Journal, “Navy Pilot Killed”, June 21, 1944.
Quonset Point, R. I. – April 21, 1944
December 14, 2024
Quonset Point Naval Air Station
Not much is known of this accident as only a small amount of information appeared in the press.
On April 21, 1944, a navy aircraft was attempting to take off at the Quonset Point Naval Air station when the plane suddenly veered off course and struck a tow car at the side of the runway killing the lone occupant, Aviation Ordinance Mate Third Class, H. A. Anderson, (18), of Jamestown, New York. The pilot was not seriously injured.
Research has been unable to discover what the initials “H. A.” stand for.
Source:
Providence Journal, “Man Killed At Quonset – Plane Taking Off Swerves And Strikes Tow Car”, April 23, 1944.
Quonset Point, R. I. – June 29, 1955
October 30, 2023
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – June 29, 1955
Douglas Skyraider
U. S. Navy Photo
On June 29, 1955, the pilot of a a navy AD-5W Skyraider, (Bu. No. 132786), was attempting an emergency landing on Runway 16 at the Quonset Point Naval Air station when the plane lost all power and crashed, killing the pilot and another crewman aboard.
The men had been assigned to VC-12 stationed at Quonset.
The identities of the men were not reported in the press, however, according to town death records for North Kingstown, R. I., they were:
Ensign Joseph Frank Stendle, 24, of Orange, N. J.
AT2/c Carmine Enrico Leo Jr., 24, of Portland Maine. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/158336611/carmine-enrico-leo
Sources:
The Recorder, “Two Killed In Quonset Air Crackup”, June 29, 1955. (Article submitted by Eric Wiberg, author and historian.)
North Kingstown, R. I. death records, #55-44 and 55-45
Quonset Point, R. I. – August 18, 1950
January 18, 2022
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – August 18, 1950
F4U Corsair
US Navy Photo
On August 18, 1950, a flight of sixteen F4U Corsairs was returning to the Quonset Point NAS after a formation training flight. As the aircraft were in the process of breaking formation in preparation for landing, two of them, Bu. No. 97173, and Bu. No. 96898 were involved in a mid-air collision. The tail section of #97173 was torn away and the plane plummeted from 1,000 feet and crashed just 15 feet from Hangar 3. The pilot, Lieutenant Commander Robert Lyons Jungklas, did not survive. The other aircraft was also damaged, but landed safely.
The aircraft were assigned to VF-74 at Quonset NAS.
To see a photo of Lt. Cmdr. Jungklas, click here: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/210654567/robert-l-jungklas
Click on images to enlarge.
Sources:
U. S. Navy Accident Report dated August 18, 1950
The Evening Star, (Washington, D.C.), “Lt. Comdr. Jungkles Killed In Rhode Island Crash”, August 21, 1950
Narragansett Bay – November 17, 1955
November 20, 2020
Narragansett Bay – November 17, 1955
Douglas Skyraider
U. S. Navy Photo
On November 17, 1955, an AD-5W Skyraider, (Bu. No. 132729), was approaching runway 23 at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station when it crashed into Narragansett Bay 900 feet short of the runway. The pilot was reportedly uninjured.
The pilot was assigned to VC-12 Squadron.
Source:
Evening Star, (Washington, D.C.), “Naval Pilot Rescued From Crash In Bay”, November 18, 1955, page A-22.
Quonset Point, R. I. – May 31, 1950
November 18, 2020
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – May 31, 1950
P2V Neptune
U.S. Air Force Photo
On May 31, 1950, a P2V-4 Neptune, (Bu. No. 124216), crash landed on the runway while attempting to land at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station. The cloud ceiling at the time was only between 75 to 100 feet with heavy ground fog conditions. The aircraft suffered considerable damage but the six-man crew was not injured.
Source: U. S. Navy accident report dated May 31, 1950.
Quonset Point – September 17, 1951
November 18, 2020
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – September 17, 1951
P2V Neptune
U.S. Air Force Photo
On September 17, 1951, a P2V-4 Neptune, (Bu. No. 124235), was landing at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station after a training flight. The weather was poor with low visibility. The aircraft ran off the end of the runway and over a sea wall and came to rest with one wing in the water and the other against the seawall. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair but the five men aboard were not injured.
The aircraft was assigned to VF-7.
Source: U. S. Navy accident report dated September 17, 1951
Quonset Point – May 12, 1950
December 11, 2019
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – May 12, 1950
Updated January 4, 2025
TBM-3E Avenger
U. S. Navy Photo
On the morning of May 12, 1950, a flight of two navy TBM-3E Avengers were scheduled to leave the Quonset Point Naval Air Station and fly cross-country to Grouse Isle, Michigan, and then on to Minneapolis, Minn.
Both aircraft taxied into position for takeoff on Runway 34. Bu. No. 85516, piloted by a Commander, was to be the lead plane, and Bu. No. 85813, piloted by Ensign Roland S. Warde III, (22), was to be the “wing man”.
When it was Ensign Warde’s turn to take off, he applied full throttle and traveled 700 feet down the runway before leaving the ground at which time his aircraft began to go into a steep climb. Moments later the aircraft stalled, and fell back to the runway where it burst into flame.
There were two passengers aboard Ensign Warde’s aircraft, and both managed to escape with non-life-threatening injuries. Ensign Warde perished in the fire.
Ensign Warde is buried in Highland Cemetery in Norwood, Massachusetts.
Sources:
U. S. Navy accident report
www.findagrave.com, Memorial #129127377
Narragansett Bay – August 12, 1948
December 10, 2019
Narragansett Bay – August 12, 1948
TBM-3E Avenger
U. S. Navy Photo
On August 12, 1948, a pilot was to take part in a practice take-offs and landings training exercise at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station. The pilot took of in a TBM-3E Avenger, (Bu. No. 53502), and went out over Narragansett Bay. At an altitude of 600 feet he began a slow right turn and as he was doing so lost visibility and went to instruments. Before corrections could be made the aircraft crashed into the bay. The pilot was rescued, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
The aircraft was assigned to VA-75.
Source: U. S. Navy accident report dated August 12, 1948.
Quonset Point, R. I. – February 2, 1951
July 26, 2019
Quonset Point, R. I. – February 2, 1951
F4U Corsair
US Navy Photo
On February 2, 1951, a navy F4U-4 Corsair, (Bu. No. 97163), took off from the Quonset Point Naval Air Station for a test flight after having received a major overhaul. Fifty-four minutes into the flight, while at 4,000 feet over Newport, R.I., the engine began to run erratically, and the pilot radioed that he had and emergency and requested clearance back to Quonset. The aircraft then began losing altitude. The pilot had hoped to make an emergency landing on Runway 34, but was forced down into the waters of Narragansett Bay 300 yards short of the runway. The pilot escaped without injury and was rescued a short time later. The aircraft was recovered, but was not put back into service.
Source: U. S. Navy accident report dated February 2, 1951
Quonset Point, R. I. – February 7, 1943
June 10, 2019
Quonset Point, R. I. – February 7, 1943
U.S. Navy Wildcat Fighter
U.S. Navy Photo
On February 7, 1943, a navy F4F Wildcat, (Bu. No. 5030), was taking off from the Quonset Point Naval Air Station when the engine suddenly lost all power immediately after becoming airborne. The aircraft crashed back onto the runway and required a major overhaul. The pilot was not injured.
This aircraft had been involved in another accident only five days earlier on February 2nd. On that date, BU. No. 5030 was coasting to a stop after having just landed at Quonset Point when it was struck by another Wildcat, (Bu. No. 12149), which was taxiing into position in preparation of take off. The accident was blamed on the pilot of Bu. No. 12149.
Both aircraft were assigned to Fighter Squadron 16, (VF-16).
Sources:
U. S. Navy accident report #43-5849, dated February 2, 1943.
U. S. Navy accident report dated February 7, 1943.
Quonset Point, R. I. – February 2, 1943
June 10, 2019
Quonset Point, R. I. – February 2, 1943
U.S. Navy Wildcat Fighter
U.S. Navy Photo
On February 2, 1943, a navy F4F Wildcat, (Bu. No. 5030), was landing at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station. The pilot made a successful landing and as the aircraft was coasting down the runway and nearly to a stop, it was struck by another Wildcat, (Bu. No. 12149), which was taxiing into position in anticipation of taking off. Both aircraft were damaged but there were no injuries. The accident was blamed on the pilot operating Wildcat 12149.
Both aircraft were assigned to Fighter Squadron 16, (VF-16).
Wildcat 5030 was repaired and put back in service.
Five days later, on February 7, Wildcat 5030 was taking off from the Quonset Point NAS when the engine suddenly lost power just after becoming airborne and the plane crashed back onto the runway. The aircraft required a major overhaul, but the pilot was not injured. The cause could not be determined.
Sources:
U. S. Navy accident report #43-5849, dated February 2, 1943.
U. S. Navy accident report dated February 7, 1943.
Quonset Point, R. I. – February 9, 1943
June 10, 2019
Quonset Point, R.I. – February 9, 1943
U.S. Navy Wildcat Fighter
U.S. Navy Photo
On February 9, 1943, a navy F4F Wildcat, (Bu. No. 02027), was landing at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station in a strong cross-wind when the wingtip hit a snowbank causing the plane to crash. The aircraft was seriously damaged, and the pilot received non-life-threatening injuries.
The aircraft was assigned to Fighter Squadron 16, (VF-16).
Source: U. S. Navy accident report #43-5932, dated February 9, 1943
Quonset Point, R. I. – October 20, 1943
March 20, 2019
Quonset Point, Rhode Island – October 20, 1943
North American Texan Military Trainer
Author Photo
On October 20, 1943, an navy SNJ-4 Texan trainer aircraft, (Bu. No. 27815), landed at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station and as it was taxiing off the runway to an airplane parking area it collided with a parked tractor causing significant damage to the aircraft requiring a major overhaul. The pilot and instructor aboard were not injured.
The aircraft was assigned to VS-33.
Source: U. S. Navy accident report dated October 20, 1943.
Quonset Point, R. I. – May 1, 1944
March 11, 2019
Quonset Point, Rhode Island – May 1, 1944
U.S. Navy SBD Dauntless
U.S. Navy Photo.
On May 1, 1944, an SBD-5 Dauntless, (Bu. No. 28722), was taking off from the Quonset Point Naval Air Station. After achieving an altitude of ten feet, the engine suddenly cut out, and the aircraft settled back onto the runway. Just as it did so, the engine suddenly restarted, and as the aircraft began to lift for a second time, the engine once again failed. The aircraft went off the end of the runway and flipped over onto its back. The Aircraft was heavily damaged, but the crew was not injured.
The aircraft belonged to VS-33.
Source: U. S. Navy accident report #44-13737, dated May 1, 1944.
Quonset Point, R. I. – October 12, 1943
March 1, 2019
Quonset Point, Rhode Island – October 12, 1943
U.S. Navy SBD Dauntless
U.S. Navy Photo.
On October 12, 1943, a Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless, (Bu. No. 24149), landed at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station. As the aircraft was taxiing down the runway it collided with another SBD-5, (Bu. No. 11038), that was also taxiing from another runway. The two aircraft collided where the runways intersected. Both aircraft suffered substantial damage, but there were no injuries.
Source:
U. S. Navy accident report dated October 12, 1943.
Quonset Point, R. I. – June 3, 1943
February 28, 2019
Quonset Point, Rhode Island – June 3, 1943
U.S. Navy SBD Dauntless
U.S. Navy Photo.
On June 3, 1943, Ensign Charles Howland Reinhard was taking off from the Quonset Point Naval Air Station in a Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless aircraft, (Bu. No. 10940), for an authorized cross country training flight. Almost immediately after becoming airborne, and with the landing gear retracted, the aircraft was observed by ground personnel to suddenly enter a left spin and crash. Ensign Reinhard perished in the accident.
Ensign Reinhard was assigned to VB-15.
Source:
U. S. Navy accident report #43-7131, dated June 3, 1943.
Quonset Point, R. I. – August 22, 1949
February 25, 2019
Quonset Point, Rhode Island – August 22, 1949
F8F Bearcat
U. S. Navy Photo
On August 22, 1949, the landing gear to an F8F-1B Bearcat, (Bu. No. 121519), collapsed upon landing at the Quonset Point Naval Air station. The aircraft skidded to a stop suffering underside and prop damage, but the pilot was not hurt.
Source: U. S. Navy accident report dated August 22, 1949
Quonset Point, R. I. – July 30, 1948
February 24, 2019
Quonset Point, R. I. – July 30, 1948
F8F Bearcat
U. S. Navy Photo
On July 30, 1948, a pilot was returning to the Quonset Point Naval Air Station after a two hour training flight in an F8F-1 Bearcat, (Bu. No. 121566). Upon touch down the pilot applied the brakes, but the left brake overheated and locked, causing the plane to ground loop and nose over. The aircraft was damaged, but the pilot was not hurt.
The pilot was assigned to VF-72.
Source:
U. S. Navy accident report dated July 30, 1948
Quonset Point, R. I. – April 11, 1950
February 19, 2019
Quonset Point, R. I. – April 11, 1950
F8F Bearcat
U. S. Navy Photo
At about 11:40 a.m. on the morning of April 11, 1950, two aircraft were making landing approaches to Runway 16 at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station, and due to their approach angles, neither pilot saw the other. The first aircraft to land was a Beechcraft SNB-3, (Bu. No. 67100). The landing was normal, and after touchdown the pilot applied the brakes. Immediately afterward, an F8F-2 Bearcat, (Bu. No. 122639), landed directly behind the Beechcraft and overtook it, plowing into the rear of the aircraft. The Beechcraft was damaged beyond all repair, but its three-man crew was not injured. The Bearcat suffered front end damage, but the pilot was not injured.
The Bearcat was assigned to Fighting Squadron 74, (VF-74).
Source:
U. S. Navy accident report dated April 11, 1950
Quonset Point, R. I. – August 10, 1948
February 15, 2019
Quonset Point, Rhode Island – August 10, 1948
F8F Bearcat
U. S. Navy Photo
On August 10, 1948, a pilot took off from the Quonset Point Naval Air Station in an F8F-1 Bearcat, (Bu. No. 121657), to test the performance of the aircraft after a new carburetor had been installed. Shortly after takeoff the engine stopped and the pilot was unable to restart it. He brought the plane in for an emergency landing, but upon touchdown a tire blew out, causing the aircraft to careen into another Bearcat,( Bu. No. 121667) that was parked along the side of the runway. After the collision, the landing Bearcat rolled over and came to rest in an inverted position. The pilot wasn’t injured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond all repair.
Source:
U. S. Navy accident report dated August 10, 1948
Narragansett Bay – February 3, 1949
February 14, 2019
Narragansett Bay – February 3, 1949
F8F Bearcat
U. S. Navy Photo
At 4:15 p.m., on the evening of February 3, 1949, a pilot took off from the Quonset Point Naval Air Station in an F8F-1B Bearcat, (Bu. No. 121506), as part of a seven aircraft night tactical training flight. Shortly after taking off, the pilot heard a loud whirring noise followed by grey smoke coming from under the instrument panel which began to fill the cockpit. The pilot turned back toward the air station and requested clearance for an emergency landing. As this was taking place another pilot in the flight reported seeing flames coming from the underside of the smoking aircraft. The flight leader advised the pilot to bail out, which he did, and landed safely in the icy waters of Narragansett Bay. His aircraft also crashed into the water not far from where he’d landed, and sank immediately without exploding. The pilot was rescued by a crash boat thirteen minutes later suffering from shock and exposure but otherwise unhurt.
The aircraft was assigned to VF-31.
Source:
U.S. Navy accident report dated February 3, 1949.
U.S.S. Lyete – February 13, 1948
February 9, 2019
U.S.S. Lyete – February 13, 1948
F8F Bearcat
U. S. Navy Photo
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
Quonset Point, R. I. – January 28, 1948
February 4, 2019
Quonset Point, Rhode Island – January 28, 1948
F8F Bearcat
U. S. Navy Photo
On January 28, 1948, an F8F-1 Bearcat, (Bu. No. 95260), took off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Leyte, (CV-32), bound for the Quonset Point Naval Air Station in Rhode Island. Thirty minutes later, as the aircraft approached the air station, the pilot noticed that the controls were not responding properly. He was advised to climb to 2,000 feet where he went into a holding pattern to try to determine the cause. No cause could be found, so he was cleared land. Unknown to the pilot was the fact that a thin layer of ice had formed on the runway and when the aircraft touched down it slid off the runway and into a snowbank where it cartwheeled before coming to rest. The pilot was not seriously injured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Source:
U. S. Navy accident report dated January 28, 1948
Quonset Point, R. I. – March 17, 1949
February 1, 2019
Quonset Point, R. I. – March 17, 1949
Douglas Skyraider
U. S. Navy Photo
On March 17, 1949, an AD-1 Skyraider, (Bu. No. 09349), took off from the Quonset Point Naval Air Station for a familiarization flight. About an hour later the aircraft returned, and as the pilot was making his final approach, the landing gear wheels struck the top of the seawall at the end of the runway tearing loose the right side landing gear. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce upwards, and the pilot applied full throttle and remained airborne. The pilot then circled the area for an hour trying to raise the landing gear so as to make an emergency belly landing, but was unable to do so. With fuel running low, he made a one-wheel landing. The aircraft suffered significant damage, but the pilot was not injured.
Source:
U. S. Navy accident report dated March 17, 1949
Quonset Point, R. I. – January 11, 1944
February 1, 2019
Quonset Point, Rhode Island – January 11, 1944
U.S. Navy Wildcat
U.S. Navy Photo
On January 11, 1944, an F4F Wildcat, (Bu. No. 11863), with a target tow sleeve attached, was in the process of taking off from the Quonset Point Naval Air Station. At the time, the aircraft had been cleared by the tower for takeoff. When the Wildcat was about two-thirds of the way down the runway, a Grumman J2E Duck suddenly landed ahead of, and in the path of the Wildcat. To avoid a collision, the pilot of the Wildcat skidded to the left and went off the runway and plowed into a snowbank. The pilot was not injured, but the Wildcat was in need of a major overhaul.
Nobody aboard the other aircraft was injured.
Grumman Duck
U. S. Navy Photo
Source: U. S. Navy accident report dated January 11, 1944
Quonset Point, R. I. – September 9, 1950
January 30, 2019
Quonset Point, R. I. – September 9, 1950
U.S. Navy F6F Hellcat
U.S. Navy photo
On September 9, 1950, an F6F Hellcat, (Bu. No. 78183), was approaching the Quonset Point Naval Air Station to land after a cross-country training flight. The aircraft was cleared to land, but when the pilot lowered the landing gear, the dash indicator showed that the wheels were not completely down and locked, so he asked the tower to confirm. As he flew slowly past the tower his suspicions were confirmed. The pilot then climbed to altitude and began circling the area trying to get the landing gear down, but was unable to do so. With fuel running low, he was then advised to make a wheels-up landing in the grass alongside of the runway which he did. The aircraft was damaged, but the pilot was not injured.
Investigation showed a mechanical failure with the landing system.
Source: U. S. Navy accident report dated September 9, 1950
Brunswick, ME. – July 19, 1946
January 22, 2019
Brunswick, Maine – July 19, 1946
U.S. Navy F6F Hellcat
U.S. Navy photo
On July 19, 1946, a flight of F6F-5 Hellcats left Quonset Point Naval Air Station in Rhode Island for a training flight to Brunswick Naval Air Station in Maine. Upon reaching Brunswick, the aircraft began to land. One Hellcat, (Bu. No. 72606), was making a normal landing when the aircraft was caught in a downdraft and forced into an unpaved area 30 feet short of the runway. Upon touchdown, the left landing gear was torn away. The aircraft then bounced up and became airborne as the pilot applied throttle. He was notified by the tower at Brunswick that a portion of the landing gear was missing, and was advised to return to Quonset Point. Upon his return to Quonset, he made a wheels up landing on the grassy strip alongside the runway. The aircraft suffered heavy damage, but the pilot was not injured.
The aircraft was assigned to VF-82.
Source:
U. S. Navy accident report dated July 19, 1946
Quonset Point, R. I. – February 18, 1946
January 22, 2019
Quonset Point, Rhode Island – February 18, 1946
F8F Bearcat
U. S. Navy Photo
On February 18, 1946, an F8F-1 Bearcat, (Bu. No. 94830), was taking off from the Quonset Point Naval Air Station for a training flight. Just as the aircraft left the ground the pilot retracted the landing gear. Just as he did so, the engine lost all power and the aircraft settled back onto the runway with its wheels up. It skidded for 400 feet before stopping 60 feet from the shore of Narragansett Bay. The aircraft suffered considerable damage, but the pilot was not hurt.
The aircraft was assigned to VBF-18 at Quonset Point.
Source:
U. S. Navy accident report dated February 18, 1946
Quonset Point, R. I. – September 16, 1943
January 9, 2019
Quonset Point, Rhode Island – September 16, 1943
U.S. Navy FM-2 Wildcat
U.S. Navy Photo
On September 16, 1945, a flight of three FM-1 Wildcat fighters took off from the Quonset Point Naval Air Station for an anti-submarine practice flight. Just after the flight became airborne, the pilot of Bu. No. 15268 noticed that the oil pressure to his aircraft was dropping. After notifying the flight leader he began his return to Quonset. As he was making his approach to the runway the engine suddenly stopped, and the plane went down in the water of Narragansett Bay about three hundred yards short of the runway. The pilot was rescued, and not injured. The aircraft sank and was stricken after it was recovered.
The aircraft was assigned to VC-55.
Source:
U. S. Navy accident report #44-8637 or 44-8687.
Quonset Point, R. I. – February 16, 1944
January 9, 2019
Quonset Point, Rhode Island – February 16, 1944
U.S. Navy FM-2 Wildcat
U.S. Navy Photo
At 7:50 p.m. on the night of February 16, 1944, two FM-2 Wildcat aircraft were returning to the Quonset Point Naval Air Station after a night tactics training flight.
The first aircraft, (Bu. No. 16343), landed first and taxied down the runway. The second aircraft, (Bu. No. 16161), landed just afterwards and collided into the back of the first aircraft. The first aircraft was damaged beyond repair, but the second aircraft was repaired and put back in service. Neither pilot was injured.
Both aircraft were assigned to VF-4.
Source:
U. S. Navy accident report #44-11748
Quonset Point, R.I. – April 21, 1944
January 9, 2019
Quonset Point, Rhode Island – April 21, 1944
U.S. Navy FM-2 Wildcat
U.S. Navy Photo
At 10:30 a.m. on the morning of April 21, 1944, an FM-2 Wildcat, (Bu. No. 16583), was taking off from the Quonset Point Naval Air Station on Runway 5 for a routine training flight. Just after becoming airborne, at an altitude of 30 feet, the engine suddenly stopped. The aircraft fell back onto the runway but there wasn’t enough time or room to stop. The aircraft went off the end of the runway, over a sea wall, and into Narragansett Bay. The pilot was rescued, but the aircraft was a total loss. Inspection revealed fouled sparkplugs to be the cause.
Source:
U. S. Navy accident report #44-13366
Quonset Point, R. I. – July 20, 1942
January 5, 2019
Quonset Point, Rhode Island – July 20, 1942
TBF-1 Avenger
U. S. Navy Photo
At 1:15 p.m. on July 20, 1942, a TBF-1 Avenger, (Bu. No. 00524), was returning to Quonset Point Naval Air Station after a training flight when the engine lost all power and crashed into a pile of rocks at the end of the runway while attempting an emergency landing. Two men were aboard the aircraft at the time, and both suffered broken bones.
The aircraft was a total loss.
The aircraft was assigned to VF-4.
Source:
U. S. Navy accident report #43-4516
Quonset Point, R. I. – June 22, 1944
January 5, 2019
Quonset Point, Rhode Island – June 22, 1944
TBF-1 Avenger
U. S. Navy Photo
On June 22, 1944, a TBF-1 Avenger, (Bu. No. 06152), was taking off from Quonset Point Naval Air Station when the engine suddenly lost power. The aircraft came down at the end of the runway with it wheels retracted. It went off the end of the runway skidding through soft dirt and then over a seawall. The aircraft required a major overhaul but the three-man crew was not hurt. The accident was blamed on mechanical failure.
The aircraft was assigned to VT-48.
As a point of fact, this same TBF Avenger, (Bu. No. 06152), had been involved in a previous accident. On January 13, 1944, while landing at Martha’s Vineyard Naval Air Station during strong wind gusts, the aircraft went off the runway and was damaged, but the crew was not injured. At that time the aircraft was assigned to VT-7.
Sources:
U. S. Navy accident report #44-15764 dated June 22, 1944
U. S. Navy accident report #44-10853 dated January 13, 1944
Quonset Point, R. I. – June 14, 1951
January 1, 2019
Quonset Point, Rhode Island – June 14, 1951
On June 14, 1951, a U. S. Navy Grumman AF-2S Guardian, (Bu. No. 124791), with a lone pilot aboard, was landing at Quonset Point Naval Air Station when the landing gear collapsed casing major damage to the aircraft as it skidded to a stop. The pilot was not injured.
Source:
U.S. Navy crash report dated June 14, 1951
Quonset Point, R. I. – August 8, 1951
December 30, 2018
Qu0nset Point, Rhode Island – August 8, 1951
On August 8, 1951, an Ensign was piloting a Grumman AF-2W Guardian, (Bu. No. 124191), practicing take offs and landings at Quonset Point Naval Air Station. As the pilot was coming in for a landing on Runway 10, the left wing started to drop, so the pilot applied full power and full right aileron. Despite his efforts, the left wing, wheel, and rear horizontal stabilizer struck the runway in a 30 to 45 degree up angle. After striking the runway, the aircraft bounced upwards and became airborne again, and came down on its landing gear and stopped without further difficulty. The plane suffered substantial damage, but the pilot was not injured.
At the time of the accident cross winds were gusting.
The pilot and aircraft were assigned to VS-24.
Source:
U. S. Navy Crash Brief dated 8, August, 1951
Quonset Point NAS – December 9, 1943
March 14, 2018
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – December 9, 1943
Douglas SBD-6 Dauntless
U.S. Navy Photo
On the night of December 9, 1943, an SBD-5 Dauntless aircraft, ( Bu. No. 28767), struck an unoccupied truck that was left parked along the side of the runway during take off. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair, but the pilot and the gunner were unhurt.
Source: U. S. Navy Accident Report #44-19181
Quonset Point NAS – August 24, 1943
March 10, 2018
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – August 24, 1943
U.S. Navy F6F Hellcat
U.S. Navy photo
On the night of August 24, 1943, an Ensign was practicing “night familiarization landings” on runway 23, at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station when he failed to put the “wheels down” lever in the full “down” position. The landing gear subsequently collapsed and the aircraft, an F6F-3N Hellcat, (Bu. No. 08945) was seriously damaged. The pilot was not injured.
Source: U.S. Navy Accident Report #44-8263
Quonset Point NAS – October 23, 1942
February 15, 2018
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – October 23, 1942
Lockheed PV-1 Ventura
U.S. Navy Photo
On October 23, 1942, a navy PV-1 Ventura, (Bu. No. 33946), with four men aboard, crashed on takeoff from Rhode Island’s Quonset Point NAS. The takeoff run had been normal until the plane became airborne. Once leaving the ground it began to swerve to the left, and then settled back onto the runway where it went into skid. The plane left the end of the runway and crossed a portion of open ground before crossing two railroad tracks, after which it came to a stop with the landing gear torn off. The plane was so badly damaged that it was recommended that it be scrapped. Fortunately none of the men aboard were injured.
Source:
U.S. Navy Crash Investigation Report #43-5128
Quonset Point NAS – June 17, 1943
February 15, 2018
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – June 17, 1943
Lockheed PV-1 Ventura
U.S. Navy Photo
On June 17, 1943, a navy PV-1 Ventura, (Bu. No. 29860), with six men aboard, was making an approach to Rhode Island’s Quonset Point Naval Air Station after six hours of flying cross country. Thirty other aircraft were all in the vicinity attempting to land after being advised by the tower that the airport would be closed shortly due to the bad weather that was closing in. As the plane was about to touch down it hit an air pocket and slammed onto the tarmac, the wheels causing it to bounce back into the air. It fell again, and this time the landing gear collapsed, sending the aircraft skidding on its belly down the runway. Fortunately there was no fire and no serious injuries to those aboard.
Source:
U. S. navy Crash Investigation Report #43-7297
Quonset Point, R.I. – November 5, 1943
June 29, 2017
Quonset Point, R. I. – November 5, 1943
F6F Hellcat
U.S. Navy Photo
On November 5, 1943, Lt. (jg.) George E. Orenge was piloting an F6F-3 Hellcat, (#65895) on a test flight from Quonset Point Naval Air Station. At about 10:00 a.m. he came back to land at Quonset Point. After touching down on the runway, the left tire on the landing gear blew out causing the plane to swerve into an ordinance truck parked on the extreme edge of the tarmac. There were no injuries, but the aircraft required a major overhaul.
Source:
U.S. Navy Accident Report # 44-9523
Quonset Point NAS – June 1, 1950
December 12, 2016
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – June 1, 1950
Rhode Island
P2V Neptune
U.S. Air Force Photo
One of the worst military aviation accidents to occur in Rhode Island in terms of loss of life occurred on June 1, 1950, at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station. On that day, a P2V-2 Neptune aircraft, (Bu. No. 122454), left Jacksonville, Florida, and landed at Quonset to refuel before proceeding on to Newfoundland. After the brief stop-over, the Neptune resumed its journey.
P2V Neptune Crash
Quonset Point, R.I., June 1, 1950
U.S. Navy Photo
Shortly after leaving Quonset, a fire developed in one of the engines forcing the pilot to declare an emergency and turn back. As the aircraft was making its final approach on runway 34, a strong gusty cross-wind suddenly caught the wing and flipped it over while still in the air. The plane crashed down on the runway and the fully loaded fuel tanks exploded. The pilot and co-pilot managed to escape through emergency hatches, but the other nine men aboard were killed.
The dead were identified as:
Lt. (Jg.) Clarence R. Plank, 25. He’s buried in Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice, Nebraska.
Ensign David M. Arter, 23. He’s buried in Lisbon Cemetery in Lisbon, Ohio.
Midshipman Clarence A. Payne. (No further info.)
Chief Aviation Machinist Mate Francis J. Mc Swiggan, 34. He’s buried in Beverly national Cemetery in Beverly, New Jersey.
Chief Aviation Electrician’s Mate Huilette E. Fountain, 29. He’s buried in Elmwood cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama.
Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Clarence A. Thorson Sr., 27. He’s buried in Cypress Grove Cemetery in New Orleans, Louisiana. For more information and a photograph of Clarence, see www.findagrave.com, Memorial #5660419.
Chief Aviation Electricians Mate Harvey D. Thomas. He’s buried in Oakland Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.
Chief Aviation Machinist Mate John A. Seger, 27. He’s buried in Garden of Memories Cemetery in Salinas, California.
Aviation Ordinance Mate 1st Class Peter Rapnick. (No further info.)
P2V Neptune, Bu. No. 122454
Quonset Point, R.I., June 1, 1950
U.S. Navy Photo
The aircraft was assigned to AP-3 based in Jacksonville.
Another aviation accident that also took the lives of nine navy men occurred several years earlier at Quonset Point on December 5, 1943 when a PV-1 Ventura crashed into a hangar and exploded. The details of that accident can be found elsewhere on this website.
Sources:
Troy Record, June 20, 1950.
www.findagrave.com
Quonset Point, R.I. – May 1, 1962
February 25, 2016
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – May 1, 1962
On May 1, 1962, an U.S. Navy, AD5W Skyraider, crashed on take off from Quonset Point Naval Air Station. The plane went down in the waters of Narragansett Bay about 500 years northeast of Pier 2.
Both crewmen aboard were killed. They were identified as:
(Pilot) Lieutenant Harold E. Richlie, 27, of Missoula, Montana. he was survived by his wife Janet.
Parachute Rigger 2C Kenneth M. Robinson, 33, of Randolph, Massachusetts. He was survived by his wife Ann.
The aircraft was assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 33.
Source:
Lewiston Evening Journal, “Fear Two Dead In Navy Crash”, May 2, 1962
Quonset Point NAS – April 6, 1945
June 7, 2015
Quonset Point Naval Air Station – April 6, 1945
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
U.S. Navy TBM Avengers
National Archives Photo
On April 6, 1945, two TBM Avengers assigned to Night Torpedo Squadron 55 at Quonset Point, were taking off at the same time for a night training mission when they collided at the intersection of runways 19 and 28.
Lt. Jg. John Frederick Kalb, 25, of West Helena, Arkansas, in aircraft #46123, was killed.
Lt. Jg. W. F. Leeker in aircraft #16885, was seriously injured, but survived.
Night Torpedo Squadron 55 was commissioned at Quonset Point NAS on March 1, 1945. The squadron’s first fatal accident occurred not long afterwards on March 9, 1945, when Lt. Jg. Harold Boren was killed when his plane crashed in Westerly, Rhode Island, during an instrument training flight.
For more information about Night Torpedo Squadron 55 see the website; vtn55.org
Sources:
North Kingstown, Rhode Island, death records #45-30
Night Torpedo Squadron 55 history
