Hellcat lost 1944-history? - Aircraft of World War II

PFF · 11-20-2007, 04:40 PM

Hellcat F6F-3 lost 126 miles se of Nantucket , Massachusetts
Known facts:
Buno # was 41782
Date was 30 September 1944
Unit was part of "CV-6"
Pilot fate-unknown
reason for loss-unknown
Can anyone add a little history?

timshatz · 11-21-2007, 10:34 AM

I read about this some years ago. If you search around on the net, the story is out there.

Pilot was out on a training mission. Engine went balky, broke formation and tried to make it back to the beach. Ditched/Crashed into the sea. No survivor. Wreck stayed there (upside down with wheels down) for about 40-50 years when it was removed by civilian salvagers. USN objected, considers all aircraft in water theirs as well. Took the F6 back from civilians. Whole thing went to court.

PFF · 11-14-2009, 12:49 PM

Sorry that was another Hellcat that was salvaged:
F6F Hellcat

11-20-2007, 04:40 PM	#1
PFF Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 30	Hellcat lost 1944-history? Hellcat F6F-3 lost 126 miles se of Nantucket , Massachusetts Known facts: Buno # was 41782 Date was 30 September 1944 Unit was part of "CV-6" Pilot fate-unknown reason for loss-unknown Can anyone add a little history?

11-14-2009, 12:49 PM	#3
PFF Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 30	reply Sorry that was another Hellcat that was salvaged: F6F Hellcat

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11-21-2007, 10:34 AM	#2
timshatz Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Phila, Pa Posts: 3,446	I read about this some years ago. If you search around on the net, the story is out there. Pilot was out on a training mission. Engine went balky, broke formation and tried to make it back to the beach. Ditched/Crashed into the sea. No survivor. Wreck stayed there (upside down with wheels down) for about 40-50 years when it was removed by civilian salvagers. USN objected, considers all aircraft in water theirs as well. Took the F6 back from civilians. Whole thing went to court.