Charlestown, Rhode Island – September 4, 1947
F8F Bearcat
U. S. Navy Photo
On the night of September 4, 1947, Lieutenant Alfred George Elpern, (26), took off from the Charlestown Navy Auxiliary Air Field in an F8F-1 Bearcat, (Bu. No. 95208), for a night tactical training mission. About 36 minutes into the flight the cockpit lighting system of his aircraft failed, and he was given clearance to return to base. His first two attempts to land were aborted. While making his third attempt, his aircraft was observed to go into a spin while at an altitude of 300 feet. The airplane crashed and exploded on the field instantly killing Lieutenant Elpern.
At the time of the crash, the horizon was partially obscured by haze.
The cause of the crash could not be determined.
Lieutenant Elpern was assigned to VF-10A.
Lieutenant Elpern is buried in Paradise Cemetery in Shannondale, Penn.
Source:
U. S. Navy accident report dated September 4, 1947
www.findagrave.com Memorial #31314556
