Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island – August 20, 1943
On August 20, 1943, a TBF-1 Avenger, (Bu. No. 24296), took off from Quonset Point Naval Air Station for a low-level practice-bombing training flight over Narragansett Bay. The weather at the time was clear and the water was reportedly smooth and glassy. At about 10:15 a.m., as the pilot was making a low level pass at a target, the propeller struck the surface of the water causing damage to the aircraft and the engine. Fortunately the aircraft made it back to Quonset Point safely and there were no injuries to the crew. The engine required a major overhaul.
The aircraft was assigned to VC-19.
Source: U.S. Navy accident report dated August 20, 1943