from author and historian Jim Ignasher
Quonset Point, Rhode Island – February 7, 1946
F8F Bearcat
U. S. Navy Photo
On February 7, 1946, a navy F8F-1 Bearcat, (Bu. No. 94861), was landing at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station when the landing gear collapsed just after touchdown. The aircraft skidded to a stop and there was no fire. Although the plane suffered extensive damage, the pilot received only minor injuries.
The aircraft was assigned to Fighter Squadron 18, (VF-18).
Source: U. S. Navy accident report dated February 7, 1946.
Martha’s Vineyard – March 5, 1946
F8F Bearcat
U. S. Navy Photo
On March 5, 1946, a flight of F8F-1 Bearcats left Quonset Point Naval Air Station in Rhode Island bound for Martha’s Vineyard Naval Air Station in Massachusetts. The purpose of the flight was to practice mock carrier take-offs and landings. As one of the aircraft, (Bu. No. 94827), was making a landing, it went off the runway and into soft dirt where it flipped on its back trapping the pilot. The pilot was extricated with non-life-threatening injuries, and the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The aircraft was assigned to VF-18 at Quonset Point.
Source:
U. S. Navy accident report dated March 5, 1946.
Exeter, Rhode Island – April 29, 1946
F6F Hellcat
U.S. Navy Photo
On April 29, 1946, an F6F-5 Hellcat, (Bu. No. 79462), took off rom Quonset Point Naval Air Station for a familiarization training flight. While flying at an altitude of 3,000 feet over central Rhode Island, the engine began to make a clattering noise and the cockpit began to fill with a light smoke. The pilot radioed the Quonset Tower and was given clearance for an emergency landing. As the pilot steered towards Quonset, the oil pressure continued to drop and then the engine seized. The pilot made an emergency crash-landing in an open field in the town of Exeter. Although the aircraft was damaged beyond repair, the pilot was not hurt.
The aircraft was assigned to VF-18.
Source:
U.S. Navy accident report dated April 29, 1946
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