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.
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