Sanford, ME. – March 29, 1968

July 3, 2020

Sanford, Maine – March 29, 1968

     Around 8 p.m. on the night of March 29, 1968, two men aboard a Lake LA-4 Buccaneer amphibious aircraft took off from Sanford Airport.  Just after takeoff they encountered light misty conditions.  The night was dark with no moon, and it was believed the mist obscured distant reference points.  The aircraft crashed in a thick wooded-brush area a short distance beyond Route 109, but did not burn.  Both men were killed instantly.   

     Sources:

     Sanford Tribune, “Airplane Accident Stuns community – Aerofab Official, Episcopal Priest Killed In Crash”, April 4, 1968, page 1, with photo. 

     Aviation Safety Network

 

Filed Under: Maine - Civil Tagged With: , ,

Sanford, ME. – July 25, 1944

May 30, 2019

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

Filed Under: Maine - Military Tagged With: , , , , ,

Sanford, ME. – May 16, 1944

March 5, 2019

Sanford, Maine – May 16, 1944 

 

TBF-1 Avenger
U. S. Navy Photo

     On May 16, 1944, a TBM-1C, (Bu. No. 17085), made a normal landing on Runway 14 at the Sanford Maine Navy Auxiliary Air Field.  As the aircraft was rolling down the runway the left landing gear collapsed.  The aircraft skidded to a stop and the three-man crew was not hurt. 

     Source: U. S. Navy accident report #44-14211, dated May 16, 1944.

 

Filed Under: Maine - Military Tagged With: , , , , ,
Return to Top ▲Return to Top ▲