VF-7A History | New England Aviation History

North Kingstown, R. I. – November 26, 1947

February 9, 2019

North Kingstown, Rhode Island – November 26, 1947

F8F Bearcat
U. S. Navy Photo

On November 26, 1947, an F8F Bearcat, (Bu. No. 95111), took off from the Quonset Point Naval Air Station for a routine training flight. Shortly after take off the engine began to run erratically and then failed completely. The pilot was forced to make an emergency landing and aimed for an open field in the Saunderstown area of North Kingstown. Unfortunately the aircraft couldn’t make it to the field, and crashed into a wooded area next to the field. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair, and the pilot, although seriously injured, was able to extricate himself from the wreckage. He was transported to a hospital by a civilian.

The aircraft was assigned to VF-7A at Quonset Point.

Source:

U.S. Navy accident report dated November 26, 1947.

U.S.S. Lyete – February 13, 1948

February 9, 2019

U.S.S. Lyete – February 13, 1948

F8F Bearcat
U. S. Navy Photo

On February 13, 1948, The aircraft carrier U.S.S. Lyete, (CV-32), was operating in the waters off Block Island conducting training exercises. On that day, aircraft from the Quonset Point Naval Air Station were sent to land on the carrier. The seas were rough, and the deck was rising and falling.

One aircraft, an F8F-1 Bearcat, (Bu. No. 95112), made a “hard landing” as the deck rose as the plane descended. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair but the pilot was not injured.

On the same day, a second F8F-1 Bearcat, (Bu. No. 95334) was also damaged upon landing, but the pilot was not hurt.

Other aircraft landed safely.

Both of the damage aircraft were assigned to VF-7A at Quonset Point.

Sources:

Two U.S. Navy accident reports date February 13, 1948