Charlestown, Rhode Island – December 9, 1943
TBF-1 Avenger
U. S. Navy Photo
On December 9, 1943, a TBF-1 Avenger, (Bu. No. 23961), with a lone pilot aboard, was making practice landings and takeoffs at Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Air Field. As the pilot was approaching to land, flying at 90 knots, 100 feet over the water, the engine suddenly lost all power and a successful emergency water landing was made. The pilot was rescued, but the aircraft sank, and was not immediately salvaged due to weather conditions. The aircraft was a total loss.
The aircraft was assigned to VT-13.
Source: U. S. Navy accident report # 44-10172
