Long Island Sound – August 11, 1947

Long Island Sound – August 11, 1947

     On August 11, 1947, a single engine Aeronca Chief airplane with a lone pilot aboard took off from Salem, Connecticut, bound for East Hampton, Long Island.  As the aircraft was passing over Long Island Sound it developed engine trouble and the pilot was forced to make an emergency water landing.  The aircraft partially submerged, but remained afloat, so the pilot climbed atop of the wing to await rescue.  He didn’t have to wait long, for unbeknownst to him, his water landing had been witnessed through the periscope of the  submarine U.S.S. Finback.  Within ten minutes the submarine had surfaced and rescued the pilot.  The mine layer U.S.S. Sprig arrived to recover the airplane.  Both vessels then proceeded to the New London Naval Base in Connecticut. 

     Source:

     The Long-Islander, “Pilot Rescued In Sound By Submarine”, August 21, 1947, page 18.    

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