VPNAVY VP-9 Mishap - Soviet Shot Down 22JUN55 - No Loss Of Life
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MishapVP-42 MishapMishap

Note NOTICE: "...I am wondering if the VP-42 P5M-1 Marlin that was lost off the coast of Baja California was at one time part of VP-46s inventory at NAS North Island, San Diego, California? Please see my email that I sent to a retired Chief that is below his email in reply to me..." Contributed by GOSNELL, ATN2 Bob f6f5k@yahoo.com [25AUG2015]

Speaking of VP-42, one of the VP-50 Mustang officers that attended the 2004 Reunion in Branson, MO, told a interesting sea story, about VP-42. They were deployed to NAS Iwakuni, Japan. He was a AMS1, leading PO for night check. They were waiting for a crew to return and when the crew returned, instead of going to the VP ramp they went to the airfield terminal, which was across the field from the VP line. He saw several black cars parked near the plane and saw the crew get into the cars and leave. He saw the duty officer drive the truck to the terminal and return in about 10 minutes. The duty officers told the him to take a tow tractor and tow the plane to the hanger and close the doors. He also told him to secure everyone except himself and the tractor driver. When he picked up the plane it had several large holes in the bomb bay doors.

When he got the plane inside the hanger the DO told him the story. He said the plane was taking pictures of a Soviet Cruiser and someone thought it would be cute to make a picture run with the bomb bay doors open. There was only holes in the doors, not one scratch on the plane. He went to the barracks and got a couple metalsmiths up and they patched the holes and all looked good the next morning...

After he retired he wrote the Russian Embassy and asked for copies of the logs for any ship in the sea of Japan on that particular day. They sent him the logs from the only Cruiser in the Sea of Japan and there was no incident entry. He then sent a Freedom of Information request to see the VP-42 logs, for that particular date, again, no log entries. Also no log entries at the wing in NAS Iwakuni, Japan.


1940's

MishapsMISHAPs: 28 AUG 41 A/C: PBY-5 pby Location: Woman's Bay NAS Keflavik, Iceland Strike: Yes BUNO: 2323 Cause: Extended flight - Pilot made normal approach and encountered a gust which forced the plane violently to the water causing damage. Damage: Serious hull damage. Crew ok. Pilot AMM1 Leo T. Nuss (co-pilot) NAP USN, Ens M. C. Freerks (co-pilot) USNR, Ens W. Lindgren USNR, ACMM D. M. Geer USN, Lt Sabol USMC, AMM1 F. N. Murcray USN, Lt Bertrand US Army, and ARM2 K. Duckhorn USN. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [18NOV2002]


MishapsMISHAPs: 23 MAR 42 A/C: PBY-5A pby Location: NAS Seattle, Washington Strike: No 7287 Cause: Ens. Miller under instruction, came in for a landing on N-S runway. The course was N, but the wind had shifted to SSW and was on his port quarter at time of landing. Plane landed almost one third the length of the runway, brakes were applied to check the speed, right brake held, left did not. Plane swerved to right and Ens.Brough took control to try and straighten out the plane. Plane was approaching end of the runway and going off the right edge, making it undesirable to take off again. Plane struck a pile of loose dirt and nosed over causing listed damage. Repairable damage: Aircraft hull damaged from nose to bulkhead two, lower hull. Left wing tip float crushed. Nose wheel assembly sprained and broken. Crew Ok. Pilot Ens David a Brough, AV-N USNR, Ens L. J. Mills, AV-N USNR, AMM2c J. J. Su, ARM3c B. S. Haight, Sea2c W. H. Sweeney, Sea2c P. R. Chavez, and ARM3c P. I. Cleveland. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [27NOV2002]


MishapsMISHAPs: 23 APR 42 A/C: PBY-5A pby Location: Dutch Harbor, Alaska Strike: Yes 7286 Cause: Crashed while attempting a downwind take-off. Plane appeared to get off three times, but each time settled back, struck sand spit, bounced up, and crashed on land and burned. Cause believed to have been a combination of diagonal downwind take-off and failure of lift due to ice on top of wings. Damage:"Complete Loss" Pilot:Ens.Frederick A. Smith/Killed, Ens.Glenn R. Van Bramer/Killed, Ens.John B. Carrol/Killed, Amm2c.Alvin F. Zettell/Seriously inj, Sea2c.Gifford A. King/Seriously inj, and Rm3c.Ralph Mitchell, Jr/Minor inj. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [21JUN2001]


MishapsMISHAPs: 09 MAY 42 A/C: PBY-5A pby Location: Alaska Strike: Yes BUNO: 7275 Cause: Unknown "...I am sitting here reading the Aviators Flight Log Book that was kept by my uncle James T. Crumpton accounting his flying time from June 1938 to May 1942. I can trace his flying time from training at NAS Pensacola, Florida to his final assignment in Alaska in 1942 but I have been unable to retrieve any details of his death in 1942 relative to a mission he was purported to have been flying. My Grandfather was told the conditions concerning his death were classified (which were understandable at the time) however; I am curious to know if there is anyone out there who remembers my uncle and would they be willing to share those memories. His name: James T. Crumpton, Rank: AOM 1/c(NAP), Birth State: Alabama, Squardron: PatRon 42 Thank you..." Contributed by Theron E. Nabors Jr. HTCM USN (Ret.) ten.optlign@home.com [13FEB2000]

UPDATE "...Overdue on patrol and not located as result of extensive search. Crew missing: Pilot: Ens. Edwin R. Winters, Ens. Edwin C. Sindel, Jr., Ap1c. James T. Crumpton, Amm2c. Robert H. Welch, Rm2c. Ervin E. Trampe, Amm3c. Veryl R. Holman, Amm3c. Robert L. Smallen, Rm3c. Leo C. Vozak, and Sea1c. John F. Purvis..." Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [21JUN2001]


MishapsMISHAPs: 00 JUN 42 A/C: PBY pby Location: Unknown Strike: Yes DEATHS: Unknown

UPDATE History ThumbnailCameraP4M History "...17APR43 - Escort Vessel Is. Christened Here - Albert Edward Mitchell - Killed in action while serving with VP-42 June 1942 - Publication Title: 13th Naval District Public Information Department Press Clippings, 1942-1960 - Content Source: NARA - Publication Number: P2012 - Date Range: 1942-1946 - Reel Number: 0001 - WebSite: http://www.footnote.com/..." Forwarded by Stephen Miller f134kilmil@comcast.net [22AUG2008]


MishapsMISHAPs: 04 JUN 42 A/C: PBY pby Location: Unknown Strike: Yes DEATHS: Unknown BUNO: Unknown Cause: Unknown "...Five photos are of a PBY (the only number I can read is 23) which is being towed by a ship of some kind (Note the depth charges aft). The sequence shows the attempted rescue of the plane which failed and was sinking into the bay (damage shown on the wing was due to the salvage operation I believe). At first I thought this was a record of the salvage of LT Campbell's plane when they were shot up by zero fighters on June 3, 1942. This is probably not correct since his plane number was VP-42-P-6 and this appears to be VP-42-P-23. If you could post these maybe someone will see them and remember the exact dates and story behind them..." Contributed by LT Edward W. Bergstrom [Deceased] c/o His Son Bob Bergstrom pbybergstrom@comcast.net [02JAN2001]

VP-42 Mishap Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailVP-42 Mishap Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailVP-42 Mishap Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailVP-42 Mishap Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailVP-42 Mishap Tap To Enlarge Thumbnail

UPDATE "...Please add the following information from the NAS Kodiak war diary..." Contributed by Bob Bergstrom pbybergstrom@comcast.net [03JAN2024]

19-22 December 1942 | PC-571, commanded by LT Stanley W. Erdahl, rescued thirteen officers and crew of a Patrol Wing Four, Patrol Squadron 42 (VP-42), PBY-5A (hull number V23, BuNo 7285). The aircraft, flown by Ensign Thomas F. Ewing and Machinist M.L. Sheperd, was forced down at sea by engine trouble on 19 December 19 after picking up a party led by COL Talley USA surveying Amchitka Island in the Aleutians. After taxying six hours, PC-571 arrived and towed the boat a further fifteen hours. Due to heavy swells and bad weather the flying boat sank in Uyak Bay. Survivors were taken to NAS Kodiak, Alaska. Photos supplied from Bob Bergstrom's collection. SEE: https://www.navsource.org/archives/12/010571.htm
UPDATE "...The mystery of these photos might be solved. It probably is plane # 7285 (42-P-11), which was a replacement for # 7292 (42-P-11) that went missing on 4 June 1942 (LT(jg) Eugene W. Stockstill.) I was researching my fathers copilot from the Kiska Blitz mission (Ensign Thomas F. Ewing) and came across a web site: (http://litsite.alaska.edu/uaa/aktraditions/talley/atsea.html) that mentions him and a dangerous flight he made transporting a Major Talley. All the pieces seem to fit. These photos are from the attempted rescue of Ensign Ewing's PBY on December 21, 1942. My father probably was given these photos by Ensign Ewing after the fact. The accident sheet from this incident indicates that the engine failure which caused the forced landing was due to excessive oil consumption leading to the failure of the starboard engine. The report also says "Sea at landing moderate, becoming rough after plane had taxied approximately 6 hours. Plane was in tow for 15 hours. Plane sank after 21 hours on the water." Time given was 1430 (2:30 PM)-sinking or landing? The only other person listed on the report was Machinist M. L. Shepard (both were slightly injured.) The web site story say's that Ensign Ewing was lost in a crash later on. I am not sure if that is true, because my father received a Christmas card for many years from a Mr. Ewing. I now only need to know which ship was used in the rescue attempt. Thanks go to Ragnar Ragnarsson for the research..." Contributed by Bob Bergstrom pbybergstrom@comcast.net [18FEB2003]


MishapsMISHAPs: 19 JUN 42 A/C: PBY-5A pby Location: Cape Seniavin, Alaska Strike: Yes 04408 Cause: Search for remains in wreckage of Army plane. Plane had landed on beach and numerous attempts to take-off proved it an impossibility due to nose wheel being buried, when power turned on. In an attempt to taxi into water from beach, a break water tore off both propellors. In time the plane hull structure was beaten by surf. Two days later plane was towed into Port Moller and later to Dutch harbor for salvage by VP-41. Damage: Propellers torn from ngines. Hull and structure beaten by seas while on beach and under tow to Port Moller. Crew ok: Pilot Lt(jg).L. D. Campbell, Lt(jg). H. Gibbs, Lt. Northamer (US Army), L. W. Sund, F. D. McCullough, R. G. Peterson, D. M. Denning, and N. C. Stade. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [21JUN2001]


MishapsMISHAPs: 30 JUL 42 A/C: PBY-5 pby Location: Dutch Harbor, Nazan Bay, Atka Isl Strike: Yes BUNO: Unknown Cause: Airplane made contact with sea at crusing speed, buried its nose and capsized. Accident is attributed largely to state of weather and sea, poor visibility and glassy water. Contributing cause is believed to have been pilot fatigue. Damage:Demolished. Pilot: Lt(jg).David A. Brough/Killed, Ens. Llody J. Mills/Killed, Ens. Louis M. Love/Killed, Amm1c. Alexander L. Cameron ( remains never recoverd), Rm1c. William Small/Killed, Rm2c. James H. Chesnutt/Minor inj, Amm1c. Roman N. Gebhart/Minor inj, and Amm2c.Milton W. Schrock/Minor inj. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [28JUN2001]


MishapsMISHAPs: 08 AUG 42 A/C: PBY-5A pby Location: Aleutian area Strike: Yes 04980 Cause: Pilot was returning from rescue ,mission at sea, excepting to land at Dutch Harbor after dark. Due to bad weather, he was directed to stop at Umnak, but he did not get the message. He passed Umnak shortly after dark and encountered heavy rain and fog before reaching Dutch Harbor. At 2340 he reported his position outside harbor entrance and requested MOs. Thereafter he could not be raised although outposts reported hearing a plane untill shortly after midnight. Crew missing: Pilot Lt(j). Julius A. Raven, Ens. T. D. Moore, Ens. R. M. Smith, Amm1c. John L. Riley, Amm2c. Steve Cuvar, Amm3c. David C. Wren, Rm1c. Delbert F. Cox, and Rm2c. Ervin F. Falquist. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [29JUN2001]


MishapsMISHAPs: 07 SEP 42 A/C: PBY-5A pby Location: Dutch Harbor, Alaska Strike: No BUNO: 7283 Cause: At an indicated airspeed of 80kts., pilot attempted to take-off & released the landing gear. Nose wheel retracted and as the plane had not yet attained flying speed, the bow dropped onto the runway. Brakes were applied to keep plane from leaving the runway. Damage: Keel damage, bow wheel doors bent, rib 33 and belt frame 1 buckled. Nose wheel actuating mechanism bent. Crew Ok. Pilot Ens Karl W. Bergner, AV-N USNR, Ens Thelen, Ens Quinn, A. M. Alberti, C. C. Grant, J. D. Riggs, W. T. Marquis, and G. A. Daum. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [03DEC2002]


MishapsMISHAPs: 08 NOV 42 A/C: PBY-5A pby Location: NE end of Blodgett Isle, Women's Bay, Kodiak, Ak Strike: No BUNO: 04409 Cause: To Kodiak for engine change: Plane landed in Women's Bay, after contact with water, it was noted water was entering cockpit and navigation compartment. Pilot gave full throttle in an attempt to take-off again. Plane failed to respond and came down hard against a breaker. As plane was taking on water, pilot taxied to end of Blodgett Isle where plane was run up on rocky beach and secured. Damage: Nose wheel doors pushed in and buckled. Bulkhead buckled and torn. Keel pushed in, holes in starboard side. Chine buckled from bow to station #1. Fittings carried away on bulkhead station #2. Wing tip floats damaged. Crew & pass Ok. Pilot Ens L. T. Nugs (PPC), USN, Ens A. J. Ditter (1st pilot), AV-N USNR, AP2c W. V. Nobel (2nd Pilot), AMM1c J. J. Malinosky, AMM2c F. B. Hays, ARM1c W. S. Mandy, ARM3c W. J. Keogh, AMM3c A. W. Welker, AOM3c W. W. Kessinger, AP2c H. E. Ragan, and MATT1c W. C. Blake. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [04DEC2002]


MishapsMISHAPs: 12 DEC 42 A/C: PBY-5A pby Location: At sea Strike: Yes BUNO: 7285 Cause: First indication of engine trouble appeared when starboard engine began using oil at a rate of 4 gallons per hour. With increased oil consumption by starboard engine the manifold pressure steadily rose with no attendant change of throttle settings. Port engine showed somewhat the same symptoms at this time using oil excessively with a rise in manifold pressure. No icing conditions existed at the time. Both engines were using oil at rate of 6 gallons an hour with manifold pressure ranging from 31 to 36 inches. Starboard engine stopped and flight on port engine was impossible due to engine's maximum output of 35 inches of manifold pressure and 2200 rpm's at low pitch. Sea at landing was moderately becoming rough after taxing approximately 6 hours. Plane was in tow for 15 hours and sank after 21 hours on water. Damage:"Total Loss" Crew OK. Pilot Ens. T. F. Ewing and Mach. M. L. Sheperd. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [08JUL2001]


MishapsMISHAPs: 17 JAN 44 A/C: PBY-5A pby Location: Unknown Strike: Yes 34018 Cause: This aircraft took-off on assigned mission at 0919 William on 17 Jan 1944, using call sign 40V215. In accordance with normal Wing instructions, radio silence was maintained until 1042 William when home base received an encoded message from this plane Stating, "I am returning to base due to mechanical trouble." No further communication was received and frequent calls to this plane were unanswered. Weather the following day was such as to prelude all flying. Combined searching by Navy and Army planes, Naval surface craft on 19 Jan and 20 Jan gave negative results. Crew & plane missing. Pilot Lt(jg) Andrew R. Porter A-V(N) USNR, Ens. Vincent W. O-Keefe (co-pilot) A-V(N), Ens. Martin G. Vincent A-V(S), Amm3c Franklin E. Fehr, Amm3c Johnie I. Conley, Rm2c Norman R. S. Walker Rm3c.Charles W. Gillam, and Aom3c.Thomas H. Durham. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [04AUG2001]


1950's

MishapsMISHAPs: 07 JAN 51 A/C: PBM-5 Marina Location: JA, IWAKUNI BCOF AB, IWAKUNI,JA (SEADROME) Strike: Yes 84709 Cause: HARD NITE LNDG Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [17MAR98]

UPDATE "...USS Pine Isl; Low alt recon. Pilot Ens.Jack H.McDonald & 12/ok..." Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [22DEC2000]


MishapsMISHAPs: 02 JUL 53 A/C: PBM-5-S2 Marina Location: Near NAS Adak, Alaska Strike: BUNO: 85158 Cause: SA-8 encountered a fire while in flight - Forced landing in fog - All aboard lost (no bodies recovered) Contributed by Larry Jenks ljenksvp42sa6@aol.com [23JUL2000]

UPDATE "...I just received some information from one of my old navy buddies that was stationed with me at NAS Kodiak, Alaska when we lost SA-8. I always thought that there was one body found and that it was Gordon Walker. Unfortunately, my buddy informed me that according to Larry Jenks - there was no one found..." Contributed by LARK, Henry E. Jr. earllark@gmail.com [22FEB2012]

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UPDATE "...Documents from AOAN Gordon Walker of VP-42 as he wrote home to his good friend (my father) Doug Casement in his home town of Poughkeepsie, New York. My father recently moved from his house of 50 years, giving me all his boxes of memories. These letters were in one of the boxes. His Mother, Mrs. Williams is still alive and doing very well. Hope you can appreciate the letters..." Contributed by Randy Casement casement89@frontiernet.net [17MAR2008]
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UPDATE "...Working on squadron's history. During research I located informationabout one of our squadron's lost a/c near NAS Adak, Alaska on July 2nd, 1953 (verified through WFI Research Group). Contributed by Larry Jenks ljenksvp42sa6@aol.com
LT James L. BURCHFIELD (PPC)
LT J. B. CORNWELL
LCDR Donald W. MCMEEKIN
ADAN L.L. CHRISTENSE
AD3 R. T. GRAHAM
AD1 J. E. GRIFFIN
AL1 C. D. MACPHERSON
AT3 J. T. MCDOW
AL1 L. W. MUELLER
AL3 W. H. REAGEN
AOAN G. S. WALKER
AO1 A. E. WARE


UPDATE "...Originated shortly after crew 8's loss and circulated among squadron..." Contributed by Ed Hundley Eshan@webtv.net VP-42 and LARK, Henry E. Jr. earllark@gmail.com VP-42

OLD CREW EIGHT
Unknown Author

Here's to Jim Burchfield and his crew of eleven,
They flew thru hell on their way to heaven.
It's hard to see just because of fate
That we had to lose Old Crew Eight.
Let us hope that where'ere they land
Some kind shipmate will lend them a hand.
Let there always be good winds and calm seas.
And let them sail wherever they please.
Let them stand united and true
And let them be Heaven's best crew.
For all their shipmates here on earth
Old Crew Eight will fly for all they are worth.
They'll chase away fog and all signs of danger
And we'll be as safe as Christ in the manger.
So shipmates banish all tears and sorrow
We'll all meet again years after tomorrow.
And Old Crew Eight will lend us a hand
When we all go to muster in the Promised Land.

MishapsMISHAPs: 29 JUN 59 A/C: P5M-3S Marina Location: NS Sangley Point, Philippines Strike: Yes BUNO: 6509 Cause: Unknown Contributed by STEBBINS, LCDR Donald J. c/o His Son Craig Stebbins castebbins@hotmail.com [25OCT2002]

UPDATE VP-42 PBM ThumbnailCameraVP-42 Mishap "...Photo, Crash of Martin P5M-1 MARLIN (a/c 126509)..." WebSite: EBay http://cgi.ebay.com/Photo-Crash-of-Martin-P5M-1-MARLIN [18SEP2008]

UPDATE VP-42 PBM ThumbnailCameraVP-42 Mishap "...The photo of the burning P5M 26509 is Buno 126509 and in the background is Bataan and Coreigador. It was either 29 May or 29 June 1959. I was an AEI3 and ECM Operator in VP-42 RB-5 BUNO: 126509 and this was my first month in a flight crew. The Copilot was LTjg. now retired Captain. C. S. Cornett. The cause was probably a blown jug. There were three loud backfires followed by a fire. A downwind landing was done and all crewmembers exited safely and were picked up by a Philipine Navy Minesweeper...BARTLETT, John aufever@gmail.com..." [18NOV2002]


1960's

MishapsMISHAPs: 20 SEP 62 A/C: SP5-2M Marlin LOCATION: TAD at NAS Adak, Alaska TYPE: Crash STRIKE: Yes BUNO: 147937 DEATHS: LCdr. Henry B. Nix, Pilot; Lt. Allen Feinstein, Co-pilot, Ltjg. Lawrence S. Hembree, Navigator; David L. Hart, Aviation Electronics Tech; Romy G. Bradberry, Aviation Electrician; Ralph C. Poort, Aviation machinists Mate; James L. Kirky, Aviation Electronics Tech; Hiram C. Hurd Aviation Ordinance man; Ralph D. King, AMS; and Robert J. Joss Aviation Electronics Tech BUNO: 47937 CAUSE: crashed into a mountainside at 1500 feet on Montague Island (5947N 14749W Cape Cleare South-east slope) in the Gulf of Alaska Contributed by Tom Suglio AMS AN tsuglio@aol.com In Memorial for lost friends...September 20th, 1962 [15FEB99]

Memorial PictureIn Memorial for lost friends September 20th, 1962 [Updated 02JUN2021]


MishapsMISHAPs: 26 DEC 62 A/C: P5M P5M Location: Off coast of Baha, CA Strike: Yes BUNO: 126499 Deaths: 13 [02NOV2001]

Memorial PictureIn Memorial for lost friends...December 26th, 1962 [Updated 12APR2017]


MishapsMISHAPs: 08 SEP 64 A/C: P2VP Neptune LOCATION: South China Sea off central Vietnam TYPE: Unknown STRIKE: Yes DEATHS: 05 BUNO: Unknown CAUSE: Unknown In Memorial for lost friends...September 8th, 1964

Memorial PictureIn Memorial for lost friends September 8th, 1964 [Updated 15SEP2012]


MishapsMISHAPs: 14 DEC 67 A/C: P2VP Neptune LOCATION: Gulf of Alaska TYPE: Weather STRIKE: Yes DEATHS: 11 BUNO: Unknown CAUSE: Weather In Memorial for lost friends...Christmas 1967

Memorial PictureIn Memorial for lost friends Christmas 1967 [Updated 07MAY2014]


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