Charlestown, Rhode Island – July 12, 1949
Douglas Skyraider
U. S. Navy Photo
On July 12, 1949, an AD-2 Skyraider, (Bu. No. 122320), was attempting to land on Runway 22 at the Charlestown Navy Auxiliary Air Field when the left wing suddenly dropped and struck the runway causing the aircraft to cartwheel. As it cartwheeled the momentum tore the engine loose from the aircraft. When the aircraft came to rest the pilot managed to extricate himself before the wreckage was consumed by flames. Remarkably, the pilot was reportedly not injured.
Source:
U. S. Navy accident report dated July 12, 1949
