Westerly, Rhode Island – August 27, 1944
F6F Hellcat
U. S. Navy Photo
On August 27, 1944, a group of U. S. Navy F6F Hellcat fighter planes were taking part in a gunnery practice exercise over the Misquamicut area of Westerly. Shortly before noon, one of the planes, (Bu. No. 42995), developed engine trouble and the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in the surf at Misquamicut Beach. After “pancaking” the aircraft in the water, the pilot extricated himself and waded to shore, uninjured. The plane was not badly damaged, and was recovered, repaired, and put back into service.
The plane came down about 1 mile east of the Weekapaug Bridge.
The pilot was assigned to VF9(n)-75 stationed at Westerly Filed.
Source:
Providence Journal, “Navy Plane Lands In Surf Off Beach”, August 28, 1944.
