Carlisle, MA. – July 9, 1948

Carlisle, Massachusetts – July 9, 1948

 

North American Texan Military Trainer
Author Photo

     On the evening of July 9, 1948, two Air Force lieutenants took off from Bedford Air Base in an AT-6C Texan trainer aircraft, (Ser. No. 41-32895).  According to witnesses, the plane was at an altitude of about 1,000 feet when it went into a spin and crashed in an orchard on the estate of Dr. George Towle.  Both men perished in the accident. 

      The men were identified as: 

      Lieutenant Kenneth F. Pushee of New Hampshire.  (No further info available at this time.) 

      First Lieutenant Grant D. Bowker, (25) of Worcester, Massachusetts.   Lt. Bowker left his junior year at Hamilton College to enlist in the Army Air Corps on September 1, 1942.  He served as a bomber pilot with the 91st Bombardment Group in Europe.  He’s Buried in Rural Worcester Cemetery in Worcester.  To see a photo of Lt. Bowker, click here:  https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25421516/grant-davenport-bowker

     The aircraft came down about 50 yards to the rear of Dr. Towle’s home near a barn.  There was no fire upon impact. The Doctor and another man ran to the scene but there was nothing they could do. 

     Sources:

     The Nashua Telegraph, “Two Lieutenants Are Killed In Mass Air Crash”, July 10, 1948. 

     The Lowell Sun, “Two Air Force Reservists Killed In Carlisle Crash”, July 10, 1948

     www.findagrave.com

Return to Top ▲Return to Top ▲