Otis Filed, MA. – November 19, 1945

Otis Field, Massachusetts – November 19, 1945

 

TBM-3E Avenger
U. S. Navy Photo

     On November 19, 1945, a TBM-3E Avenger, (Bu. No. 69004), with a lone pilot aboard, was was taking part in a training exercise making practice carrier landings and take-offs at Otis Field in Falmouth, Massachusetts.  While orbiting in a “traffic circle”, the pilot noted fluctuations in the fuel flow to the engine so he switched tanks.  The engine ran smoothly for a few seconds and then suddenly quit, forcing the pilot to make an emergency wheels-up landing.  The aircraft came down hard, crushing the bomb-bay doors and causing other serious damage to the plane.  There was no fire upon impact, and the pilot was not injured.     

     The aircraft was assigned to VT-43

     Source:  U. S. Navy accident report, dated November 19, 1945

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