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MishapVP-1 MishapMishap

1930's

MishapsMISHAPs: 03 MAY 39 A/C: PBY-4 pby Location: NAS North Island, San Diego, California Strike: No BUNO: 6-P-12 Cause: Night qualifications. Water looped landing in San Diego Bay (Minor injuries and aircraft damage). Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [13APR2000]


1940's

MishapsMISHAPs: 13 JAN 43 A/C: PB2Y-3 Coronado LOCATION: Ecuador, Salinas BUNO: 7416 DEATHS: None CAUSE: Take Off Accident (Transportation) CREW: (Pilot) Magie, A. H., Robbins, R. D., Nading, R. D., Best, H. G., Nelson, Donald N., Marsh, Charles L., Accord, Clyde A., Clark, Joel R., Mohr, Roy A., MacDonald, M. C., McCauley, C. C., Bauer, G. A. and Slusser. WebSite: Aviation Archaeological Investigation and Research http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ [23SEP2008]


MishapsMISHAPs: 19 JAN 43 A/C: PB2Y-3 Coronado LOCATION: Honduras, Puerta Castilla BUNO: 7147 DEATHS: Yes CAUSE: Killed in a Take Off Accident (Operational Flight) CREW: (Pilot) Overton, Alan G., Sullivan, John T., McHwey, Paul G., Baird, Albert Parker, Riley, Winston L., Fair, Thonas Eugene, Bockum, Charles Henry, Horniman, Stuart Keith, Smith, Claude, 0'Niel, Eugene Calvin, Larson, Donald Merritt and Murray, Robert James. WebSite: Aviation Archaeological Investigation and Research http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ [23SEP2008]


MishapsMISHAPs: 24 MAY 43 A/C: PB2Y-3 Coronado Location: San Miguel - Rea, Mexico Strike: Yes BUNO: 7128 Cause: Ferry for delivery. Single engine landing and ground looped. Two seriously injured, one with minor injuries, and 9 crewmembers without injuries. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [Updated 04JAN2001 | 13MAR98]

UPDATE "...Earlier VP-1 had lost another during deployment, when engine failure brought it down in Mexico in the high desert. The pilot made a great landing. Roger Touhy, who was a plane captain (I got to know very well) and I flew with for a while, was aboard. He braced himself on a bunk in the aft bunk compartment with his feet against the forward bulkhead. As the aircraft settled down, the hull broke apart right at that bulkhead, dragging Roger's rear end along the Mexican desert for a hundred yards or so. But aside from bruises and abrasions, he got up and walked away. I suppose some of today's VP-1 folks might wonder about a plane with fore and aft bunk compartments, but off watch when tied up to a buoy, or on a 15-hour convoy coverage, they came in handy. So did the galley, and some of the guys were great chefs. One thing about the Galapagoes: there is no better fishing in the world, and grouper is a gourmet's delight...." Contributed by William J. Bonville bonville@q.com WebSite: http://home.cdsnet.net/~bonville/


MishapsMISHAPs: 13 OCT 43 A/C: PB2Y-3 Coronado Location: Salinas, Equador Strike: Yes BUNO: 7146 Cause: Lost engine on take-off. Force landed aircraft and drifted ashore. Aircraft never recovered. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [13MAR98]


MishapsMISHAPs: 19 OCT 43 A/C: PB2Y-3 Coronado Location: Puerta Castilla, Honduras Strike: Yes BUNO: 7147 Cause: Force landed at sea within 6 miles from base and sank. Analysis: Enroute to NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone from NAS Corpus Christi, Texas aicraft landed at Puerta at 2200. Wind was from the west at 14-20 kts. Water very rough due to the bay being completely unprotected when the wind was from the west. On the first two attempts to make bouys, the bouy pendants carried away the preventer line holdings. Soon afterward the anchor cable carried away and as it was dark by that time the two outboard engines were started up. The plane taxied all night, lights were kept on by the base at Puerta Castilla a few times to keep plane from hitting the dock, but no lights were kept on to be used as a reference point. On several instances the plane was forced to turn on its own landing lights to keep from hitting the dock or beach. At 1327a message was received from the plane stating that 250 gallons of fuel remained and that there position was about six miles off the base in open sea. The only available help from the base was a bowser boat that was unable to reach the plane due to the sea conditions. A take-off was attempted, but #3 engine would not give full power. In spite off all protective measures the starboard wing went under, drowning #4 engine, then #3 engine, then the plane turned over on its back. Survivors stated that the immediately broke-in two and sank. Crew & pass: Pilot Lt. Alan G. Overton/Killed, Ens J. T. Sullivan/Killed, Ens P. G. Mohney/Killed, Amm1c A. P. Baird/Killed, Amm2c W. L. Kiley/Killed, Amm2c T. E. Fair/Killed, Amm2c C. H. Bockum/Rescued, Amm3c S. K. Horniman/Killed, Arm3c C. Smith/Rescued, Acmm E. C. O'Neil/Killed, Aom3c D. M. Larson/Killed, and Arm2c R. J. Murray #6505124/Missing. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [Updated 14APR2002 | Updated 16JAN2001 | Updated 04JAN2001 | 13MAR98]

UPDATE "...Robert J. Murray was my Granduncle. I am astounded to find this entry (and this website altogether), as his death has always been somewhat of a mystery to me. Is there any way you could provide me with more information, or at least a contact, so that I can find out more about his death? I am particularly interested in knowing whether or not his body was ever recovered (to my knowledge it was not). Any information you could provide would be GREATLY appreciated. P.S. FYI... Bob's last letters home indicate he was promoted to ARM2c...Alan L. Shields revwar@mail.ptd.net [15JAN2001]


MishapsMISHAPs: 17 JUL 44 A/C: PB2Y Coronado LOCATION: Galapagoes TYPE: Collision Water STRIKE: Yes DEATHS: xx BUNO: P-68 CAUSE: Unknown

UPDATEVP-1 PB2Y-3 ThumbnailCamera17JUL44 Mishap Photo Contributed by BONVILLE, William J. bonville@q.com [04FEB2001]

UPDATEVP-1 PB2Y-3 ThumbnailCamera17JUL44 Mishap Photo Contributed by BONVILLE, William J. bonville@q.com[04FEB2001]

UPDATE "...PB2Y-3; 7143: Naaf Galapagos, Ecuador; 17 Jul 44:nosed in landing. Crew; Pilot.Lt. Walden Davis Cauthan/Killed, Lt(jg). M.D.Scott/Killed, Arm2c. H.T.Rogers/Killed, Arm3c. Paul J. Crimmings/Killed, Aom2c D.P.Reed/Killed, and 8/Seriously inj..." Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [04JAN2001]

UPDATE "...while I was attached to the squadron, lost only one plane. P-68 crashed on landing in the bay at Seymore Island, Galapagoes. Two of the crew survived, rather miraculously. I remember it well because a very good friend, also originally from Massachusetts, and who had gone through training with me, did not survive the crash..." Contributed by William J. Bonville bonville@q.com WebSite: http://home.cdsnet.net/~bonville/


MishapsMISHAPs: 24 NOV 44 A/C: PB2Y-3 Coronado Location: Lake Managua, Nicaragua Strike: Yes BUNO: 7131 Cause: HARD LNADING WAS BEACHED TO PREVENT SINKING MANAGUA, NICARAGUA Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [13MAR98]

UPDATE CREW: (Pilot) Simpson, Paul D., Smith, Hirman E. J., Wells, Stanley R., Anderson, James C., Rooks, Harris R., Hurst, Harvey E., Kastner, Marion R., Kelly, Donald F., Maffezzoli, Anthony and 23 Passengers. WebSite: Aviation Archaeological Investigation and Research http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ [23SEP2008]


MishapsMISHAPs: 22 FEB 45 A/C PB2Y-5R Coronado Location: NAS Corpus Christi, Texas Strike: Yes BUNO: 7133 Cause: SANK AT BOUY HULL LEAKED Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [13MAR98]

UPDATE CREW: (Pilot) Smith, Hirman E., Givanett, Benjamin P., Mudell, Earl R., Cox, Lonnie R., Copich, William J., Wiley, James G., Erickson, Carrol E. Jr., Marple, Robert E., Able, Dallel L. and Hebecker, Edward Jr. WebSite: Aviation Archaeological Investigation and Research http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ [23SEP2008]


MishapsMISHAPs: 23 FEB 45 A/C: PB2Y-3 Coronado LOCATION: NAS Corpus Christi, Texas BUNO: 7119 DEATHS: No CAUSE: Accident-Unidentified (Remaining over-night at buoy) CREW: (Pilot) Scatodini, Albert G., Scott, Ivan J., Sheffield, Neal Y. R., Jones, Maurice E., Aleroyd, George A., Hall, Bert L., Suickle, Glen A., Melvin, Pasil P., Parvelek, Walter J., Cress, Raymond B., Greenway, Charles A., Nelson, Donald H. and Conners, Albert C. WebSite: Aviation Archaeological Investigation and Research http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ [23SEP2008]


MishapsMISHAPs: 04 NOV 48 A/C: P2V-2 P Neptune Location: Canada Strike: Yes Deaths: 9/killed BUNO: 39333 Cause: Fleet exercise. Located 16 OCT 61 on the western side of a mtn Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [03APR98]

UPDATE History ThumbnailCameraVP-1 Mishap "...09NOV48 - Navy Airmen's Chances Fading - Publication Title: 13th Naval District Public Information Department Press Clippings, 1942-1960 - Content Source: NARA - Publication Number: P2012 - Date Range: 1947-Jan 1953 - Reel Number: 0002 - WebSite: http://www.footnote.com/..." Forwarded by Stephen Miller f134kilmil@comcast.net [29AUG2008]

UPDATE History ThumbnailCameraVP-1 Mishap "...08NOV48 - Task Fleet In Seattle Now - Publication Title: 13th Naval District Public Information Department Press Clippings, 1942-1960 - Content Source: NARA - Publication Number: P2012 - Date Range: 1947-Jan 1953 - Reel Number: 0002 - WebSite: http://www.footnote.com/..." Forwarded by Stephen Miller f134kilmil@comcast.net [29AUG2008]


MishapsMISHAPs: 24 NOV 48 A/C: P2V P Neptune Location: NAS Whidbey Island, Washington 49-22-00N 125-50-25W WRECKAGE FOUND 10/16/61, ON WESTERN SIDE OF SMALL CRK RUNING TO LK Strike: YES BUNO: 39333 Cause: Unknown. Crew killed; Pilot LCDR Wilbur W.Titswroth, LCDR A. B. Hall, Lt(jg) E. T. Swientek, ADC. J. J. Lytle, AL1. G. E. Egeter, AL2. J. R. Wood, AD1. G. L. Cole, Jr (NAP), AO1. T. V. Rudd, and AD-2 J. V. Duval. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [Updated 15APR2002 | Updated 04JAN2001 | 17MAR99]


MishapsMISHAPs: 01 SEP 49 A/C: P2V-3 P Neptune Location: NAS Whidbey Island, Washington Strike: NO BUNO: 122948 Cause: GUNNERY; PROP HIT BY 20mm. CANNON RICOCHET Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [17MAR99]


1950's

MishapsMISHAPs: 10 MAY 50 A/C: P2V-3 P Neptune Location: NAS Whidbey Island, Washington 47-27-00N 124-24-00W Strike: NO BUNO: 122967 Cause: ROCKET TRNG; ROCKET RICOCHETED & HIT TOP OF TAIL Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [17MAR99]


MishapsMISHAPs: 27 OCT 50 A/C: P2V-3 P Neptune Location: JA, TACHIKAWA ADB RETURN FROM MAINTENANCE Strike: NO BUNO: 124290 Cause: MAIR GEAR RETRACTED DURING ENG START-UP Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [17MAR99]


MishapsMISHAPs: 15 JUL 51 A/C: P2V-3 P Neptune Location: NS Sangley Point, Philippines Strike: NO BUNO: 124287 Cause: LNDG ACC, SWERVED OFF RWY Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [17MAR99]


MishapsMISHAPs: 00 XXX 52 Naval Aviation News December 1952 History ThumbnailCameraMishap "...Down The Drain - Page 9 - Naval Aviation News - December 1952..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1952/dec52.pdf [28JUL2004]


MishapsMISHAPs: 19-28 JUN 53 A/C: P2V-5P Neptune "...Fired upon, in separate incidents, by surface ships in the Formosa Strait. No damage inflicted..." APPENDIX 34 Cold War Incidents Involving U.S. Navy Aircraft http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/org4-3.htm [29MAR98]


MishapsMISHAPs: 08 JUL 53 A/C: P2V-5 P Neptune "...Fired upon by Chinese antiaircraft artillery (AAA) near Nantien, China. No damage inflicted..." APPENDIX 34 Cold War Incidents Involving U.S. Navy Aircraft http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/org4-3.htm [29MAR98]


MishapsMISHAPs: 19-28 JUN 53 A/C: P2V-5 P Neptune "...Fired upon by Chinese antiaircraft artillery (AAA) near Amoy Island in the Formosa Strait. No damage inflicted..." APPENDIX 34 Cold War Incidents Involving U.S. Navy Aircraft http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/org4-3.htm [29MAR98]


MishapsMISHAPs: 00 XXX 54 A/C: P2V-5P Neptune "...During training for the next ORI one of the crews doing touch & go's landed wheels-up. I don't remember the aircraft or crew number. I do remember the radioman was J. Ramsey (AL3 or AL2)commonly called "Jodey". The firefighters said Jodey established a new record for the 100 yard dash when he escaped out the radio compartment window. The slide cleaned of the radome. They lifted her, lowered the wheels and rolled her away. I don't remember more specific details..." Contributed by Bobby E. Cammer becammer@hotmail.com [24APR2000]


MishapsMISHAPs: 11 NOV 56 A/C: P5M P5M Location: NAF Lajes, Azores, Portugal Strike: Yes BUNO: Unknown Deaths: 4 Cause: Crashed on takeoff. "...I was a radioman attached to VP-44 stationed at NAS Norfolk, Virginia from mid 1955 to mid 1957. On November 11, 1956. I was part of a crew that crashed on takeoff at NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada which resulted in the loss of 4 crew members..." Contributed by Carl E. Klinger hotelsun@juno.com [19JAN2001]


1960's

MishapsMISHAPs: 00 MAR 69 A/C: P2V P Neptune Location: 475 Miles West Of NAS Agana, Guam Strike: YES BUNO: 140964 YB-5 Cause: Unknown Contributed by COSTELLO, Michael songman66@comcast.net [28FEB2005]
Mishap ThumbnailCameraMishap Article "...March 4th, 1969 RESCUE AT SEA - Crewmen of U. S. Navy P2V aircraft which crashed in sea 475 miles west of Guam come alongside liner President Cleveland to be taken on board seven hours later. With them are two paramedics who parachuted to crewmen with survival gear. Cause of crash has not been determined..."


1980's

MishapsMISHAPs: 17 MAY 83 A/C: P3P3 Orion LOCATION: Hawaii TYPE: Wheels Up Landing SRIKE: Yes DEATHS: 00 BUNO: 152733 CAUSE: Pilot

UPDATE "...I just found some pictures of the VP-1 gear-up crash..." Contributed by AD2 Todd A. Machin ta.machin@smmpa.org [11OCT2000]

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UPDATE VP-1 Mishap ThumbnailCamera "...The infamous VP1 Wheels up landing one month to the day before the tragic lost on Kawi. I was there for both, the Kawi crew relieved us, we had a chips light!..." Contributed by Bill "CATFISH" Frey williamwtf@aol.com [11APR2000]

UPDATE "...Bad times insued with the loss of 2 aircraft within 2 months while gearing up for WestPac 84 to NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan. YB-07 BUNO: 152733 landed wheels up on a DFW training flight. The crew was shaken up but the A/C was lost. Then YB-06 BUNO: 152720 impacted the cliffs of Kuai on a torp-ex with the loss of 13 of our finiest..." Contributed by DAN NORRIS DDLN3@AOL.COM [09SEP98]

UPDATE "...I took the morning after the last flight of YB7 (BUNO 152733) at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii on May 18, 1983. At that time I was an AW1 Sensor 3 operator on VP-1 Crew7 and this was our 'assigned' aircraft. I am also enclosing a photo I took of YB7 on detachment to NAS Misawa, Japan a few months earlier. Yes, the harpoons were warshots..." Contributed by Rob Brogdon, AWC(AW/NAC) USN(Ret) rbrogdon@mindspring.com [ICQ# 8327021] [03JUL98]
History - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge Thumbnail

MishapsMISHAPs: 16 JUN 83 A/C: P3P3 Orion LOCATION: Hawaii TYPE: Collision Ground STRIKE: Yes DEATHS: 14 BUNO: 152720 CAUSE: Pilot/Mountain

UPDATE "...I served with VP-1 Crew 7 / 10 from 1982 to 1987. I am looking for the mishap crew list (16 June 1983). I am looking to contact the parents of David Stringer...Lem Moore (SS1) lmoore_invest@yahoo.com..." [05MAY2004]

UPDATE "...I am a widow of someone who died in a VP-1 plane crash on Kauai. Need to talk to someone. Thanks, Marsh Mstu97@aol.com..." [29NOV2000]

UPDATE "...Bad times insued with the loss of 2 aircraft within 2 months while gearing up for WestPac 84 to NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan. YB-07 BUNO: 152733 landed wheels up on a DFW training flight. The crew was shaken up but the A/C was lost. Then YB-06 BUNO: 152720 impacted the cliffs of Kuai on a torp-ex with the loss of 13 of our finiest..." Contributed by DAN NORRIS DDLN3@AOL.COM [09SEP98]


2000's

MishapsMISHAPs: 22 JUL 2008 A/C: P3 P3 Orion LOCATION: NAS Whidbey Island, Washington TYPE: Wheels Down Landing SRIKE: Yes DEATHS: 00 BUNO: 161331 CAUSE: Structural Forwarded by Marco P.J. Borst http://p3orion.nl/ [25JUL2008]

UPDATE "...P-3 Mishap: 2 Pilots Short on Flight Hours - Proper procedures not followed during engine failure, JAGMan says - By Andrew Tilghman - Staff writer - Sunday Mar 1, 2009 9:10:58 EST..." WebSite: NavyTimes http://www.navytimes.com/ [02FEB2010]

Waiting for permission to post entire article.

UPDATE "...Navy: Aging P-3s Safe Despite Mishaps - By Chris Amos - Staff Writer - Posted : Sunday Aug 24, 2008 13:02:00 EDT..." WebSite: NavyTimes http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/08/navy_orions_090108w/ [25AUG2008]

Waiting for permission to post entire article.

UPDATE "...Take a look at this. Unbelievable that the crew survived. This is out of NAS Whidbey Island, Washington I believe yesterday or the day before..." Contributed by NETTLES, Bullet Bob bulletbob_1@email.msn.com [30JUL2008]

Here is some of what has been passed from this event coming from reliable sources:

There's a lot more to this mishap.

  • 45 consecutive rivets were pulled out on the stbd wing during the 7 g pull out (rolling pull) after peaking at negative 2.4g's as well.
  • They did five spin rotations from 5500 ft- - they bottomed out "between 50 and 200 ft.
  • They could see the inside of the fuel tanks when they landed.
  • They were at 160 Knots Indicated Air Speed (KIAS), appr flaps during a prop fails to feather drill on #1 when #2 started surging.
  • They bagged #2, but while doing so got to 122 Knots Indicated Air Speed (KIAS).
  • When they added power, they were way below Vmcair and departed.
  • About a minute later, just before impact, they recovered.
Here's the preliminary info I have:
  • At NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, BUNO: 161331 was doing a Functional Check Flight (FCF).
  • Shut down #1 engine (with #1 off).
  • #2 engine exhibited vibrations and was shutdown.
  • With two engines off on the same side the aircraft stalled and was recovered at 100 feet.
  • 7 G's were reported to pull it out of the stall.
  • About a minute later, just before impact, they recovered.
The aircraft landed Safely.
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UPDATE "...This is what I heared so far (info from several sources put together by me): At NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, P-3C 161331 was doing a Functional Check Flight. They shut down #1 engine. With #1 off, #2 engine exhibited vibrations and was shutdown. With two engines off on the same side the aircraft stalled. 7 G's were reported to pull it out of the stall. 45 consecutive rivets were pulled out on the stbd wing during the 7 G pull out (rolling pull), after peaking at negative 2.4g's as well. They did five spin rotations from 5500 ft- - they bottomed out "between 50 and 200 ft"!! They could see the inside of the fuel tanks when they landed. They were at 160 Knots Indicated Air Speed (KIAS), appr flaps during a prop fails to feather drill on #1 when #2 started surging. They bagged #2, but while doing so got to 122 Knots Indicated Air Speed (KIAS). When they added power, they were way below VMC air, and departed. SDRS recorded the flaps being raised and the landing gear being cycled down and then back up. Aircraft released all the fuel in tank #3 when it appears that the seam between planks 3 and 4 split. Tank #4 also lost its fuel load when plank #1 separated from rest of the aircraft wing. Regards, Marco P.J. Borst - P-3 Orion Research Group - The Netherlands..." Contributed by Marco P.J. Borst http://p3orion.nl/ [25JUL2008]

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