In God We Trust
On January 3, 1953, a C-47 transport stationed at Donaldson Air Force Base, South Carolina, was on a courier run from Newburgh, New York to Donaldson AFB via Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville, North Carolina. The aircraft developed engine problem and the pilot tried to make an emergency landing at Crabtree Creek State Park near Raleigh, North Carolina. It ran into dense fog and rain and crashed, killing three crew members.
From the source Findagrave:
Just before midnight on January 2, 1953, an Army C-47 transport plane crashed in Crabtree Park while attempting an emergency landing at Raleigh-Durham Airport. The weather was raining with dense fog. Three of the four crew members were killed. The fourth member survived, T-Sgt. Edward Matus, who walked to the airport, arriving at the Eastern Airlines office at 1:00 a.m. He followed the "sounds of airplanes taking off." He was rushed to Duke Hospital. The crash was the first fatal airplane accident "since the airport came under civilian operation in 1946." The plane was flying a "routine training flight" from Stewart Air Force Base, in Newburg, NY, to Donaldson Air Force Base, in Greenville, S.C, with a stop at Pope Air Force Base in Fayetteville. They attempted a landing a Pope, but "visibility there was zero." They diverted to Raleigh-Durham, where visibility "was about a one-quarter of a mile." Their last radio contact with Pope was at 10:41 p.m., when the crew reported "icing at 9,000 feet."
Matus remembered being struck and falling to the floor in the plane, then waking up in the wreckage. He followed the sounds of airplanes to the airport. "Bleeding profusely despite a crude tourniquet," the survivor stumbled into the nearly empty office. He was "pale with shock and dazed." He couldn't tell from which direction he had come. He was treated at the hospital for "shock and multiple cuts." Wikipedia Photo The 100-person search party included "police, Civil Air Patrol officials, and Air Force investigators." After hours of searching, Highway Patrol officers were sent to the hospital, to retrieve one of the survivor's shoes. The lawmen also procured bloodhounds from the "Cary prison farm." They attempted, though unsuccessfully, to retrace the survivor's steps. None of the residents of the area reported hearing a plane crash. Six hours after they started, a 25-member search party located the wreckage and the bodies of the pilot, co-pilot, and navigator. The plane had crashed in thick woods, some 1,000 yards from the park's picnic area. The wings were sheared by the trees, and the tail section separated. The area "reeked of high-octane gasoline" but there was no fire, as the pilot had cut power. The plane's gear was down. The wreckage was "less than two miles from the airport's control tower."
The dead airmen were Capt. Louis R. Gossman, pilot, First Lt. Norman W. Joyce, co-pilot, both of Donaldson Air Force Base, and First Lt. Robert W. Shaw, of Pope Air Force Base. The area was subsequently secured, though "crowds of curious persons" had converged on the wreckage earlier, "picking up souvenirs from the broken parts of the plane." Cars also jammed the gate at the park entrance, and caused traffic problems on the highway. The process of moving the wreckage started on January 4. (January 2, 1953)
Fatalities
Gossman, Capt. Louis Richard (pilot) - Captain Gossman was born January 07, 1922 of Burr Oak, Iowa. He was married to Naomi Thomas Street (later Culpepper) (1923-2013). He was survived by his wife and children, Barbara Gossman (Frailey) and Dr. Richard Gossman. His siblings were Irene Gossman Hardwick (1913-1995), Clair W. Gossman (1915-2000), Mary Eloise Gossman Grebin (1917-2012), and Gertrude "Trudy" Elizabeth Gossman Ellestad (1919-2017). Captain Gossman is buried in Magnolia Cemetery, Meridian, Mississippi.
Joyce, 1Lt. Norman W. (co-pilot) - Lieutenant Joyce was born June 25, 1924. He and his wife Myrtie Joyce were parents of a son Jerry Michael Joyce (1949-1951). Both are buried in Oakland Cemetery, Waycross, Georgia.
Shaw, 1st Lieutenant Robert W. (navigator) - Lieutenant Shaw was the son of Alpheus E. and Amran D. Shaw. He was born on September 26, 1925 and is buried in Shaw Cemetery, Windsor, Massachusetts. He was a veteran of World War II from Castleton, New York.
Survivor
Matus, T/Sgt. Edward
Forty souls were lost when an Associated Air Transport C-46 aircraft crashed eight miles west of Fish Haven, Idaho in the Cache-Wasatch National Forest's Pat Hollow on January 07, 1953. Thirty-seven of the victims were military personnel returning home to loved ones. Three other victims were the crew members. The plane was traveling from Boeing Field, Seattle, Washington en route to Fort Jackson, South Carolina. For three hours the pilots checked in regularly by radio. They were last heard from at 3:58 a.m. as the plane passed 13,000 feet over Malad City. The pilots were due to report in again over Rock Springs at 4:45 a.m., but a call was never made. The C-46 hit a tree at 8,545 feet above sea level. It continued in the air for 377 feet before slamming into two large pines. It then careened downhill and disintegrated. Snowy conditions necessitated that armed military guards be placed at the crash site until the recovery process could be completed in June 1953.
Crew (all fatalities):
Crawford, Capt. Lawrence Benjamin, 28, San Antonio, Texas (pilot) - Age 28, Captain Crawford was from San Antonio, Texas. He was born October 18, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois, a son of Lawrence France Crawford (1905-2001) and Louise Grim Crawford Meyer. His wife was Irene Clark Crawford and his two sons were Lawrence and Donald Crawford. Captain Crawford's siblings were Joseph Raymond (Joe) Crawford (1922-2014), James Elmer Crawford (1928-1993), and Mary A. Crawford Schafer. Captain Crawford is buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois.
Davis, Dorothy Marie, 21, San Antonio, Texas (stewardess) - Age 21, Stewardess Davis was from San Antonio, Texas. She was born April 01, 1931 and is buried in Lakeland Hills Memorial Park, Burnet, Texas.
Perkins, Maxwell Frederick Jr., 32, San Antonio, Texas (first officer) - Age 32, First Officer Perkins was from San Antonio, Texas. He was born March 01, 1920, son of Maxwell F. Perkins Sr. (1895-1942) and Rebecca Lois Stovall Perkins (1896-1984). The family is buried in Pecan Grove Cemetery, McKinney, Texas.
Passengers (all fatalities):
Hardin, Pfc. James Patrick, 21, Columbus, South Carolina - Born February 01, 1931, he is buried in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Columbia, South Carolina.
Harding, Ulysses, Ludowici, Georgia
Hargrett, Herbert B. - Sergeant Hargrett was born on June 03, 1930. He is buried in Crawford Cemetery, Shadeville, Florida. He was raised by his aunts, Blanche Gavin and Lenious Hargrett. His sister was Queen Elizabeth Hargrett.
Harper, Charles Augustus, Florence, South Carolina - Born February 27, 1937, he was the son of James M. Harper (1912-1987) and Juanita B. Harper (1912-1991). He is buried in Saint Beulah Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Florence County, South Carolina.
Harrell, Ralph Donald, Hartford, North Carolina - Born November 09, 1929, Corporal Harrell is buried in Cedarwood Cemetery, Hartford, North Carolina. He served in the 160th Infantry, 40th Infantry Division. Ralph "Sonny" Harrell was born November 09, 1929 in North Carolina, a son of Robert Lee Harrell (1907-1988) and Lindell Adams Harrell (1906-1998). He married Carolyn Dean Harrell (later Mrs. Walter Wallace Cartwright). His siblings were Myrtle Lee Davenport (1927-2015), Carl Harrell, Erma Bernice Layden (1932-2020), and Peggy Harrell Harris. Sonny served in the Army from August 06, 1951, until his death.
Harviley, Mathew, Bessemer, Alabama - Mathew was a son of Seaborn Harviley (1903-1966) and Frances R. Harviley (1905-1991) of Bessemer. His siblings were Oscar (1928-1991), Eloise, Henry J., Mary F., Louis, Jimmy C. and Hattie B. Harviley.
Hatcher, Walter Jr., Gadsen, Alabama
Henderson, Willie B., Harrisburg, North Carolina
Hendrix, Rothel O., Columbus, Georgia - This World War II veteran was born April 09, 1927. He is buried in Salem Freewill Baptist Church, Kynesville, Florida.
Herzig, Wilfried Otto Walter Paul, Augusta, Georgia - The son of Willy P. Herzig, he was born on January 06, 1932. He is buried in Gracewood Cemetery, Gracewood, Georgia.
Hill, Jimmie, Quitman, Georgia
Hollingsworth, McLean, Salemburg, North Carolina - Born October 06, 1923, he was a son of Perdie Lee Hollingsworth (1895-1954) and Caressie Knowles Hollingsworth (1896-1982). He served as a Sergeant in the Service Company of the 27th Infantry, United States Army. His siblings were Thomas M. Hollingsworth (3/02/1939-12/10/2016), Marion D. "Red" Hollingsworth (12/08/1931-3/09/2006), Lindsey B. Hollingsworth, Aaron C. Hollingsworth, John Lee Hollingsworth, and Armon E. Hollingsworth.
Holloway, Raymond Fletcher, Jacksonville, Florida - Born December 13, 1932, he was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Rufus R. Holloway. His brothers were Arthur B., Alfred R. and Donald R. Holloway. Private Holloway enlisted in the Army on June 14, 1951 and had served in Korea since December of 1951. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Jacksonville, Florida.
Hudson, Arthur, East Charles, South Carolina
Hudson, Francis A., Beaufort, South Carolina
Human, David, Travelers Rest, South Carolina - David was born August 15, 1934, a son of Geneva Lockaby Human (1906-1961). His siblings were Ada Grice (1923-1974), Ethel Cross (1925-2006), Willis (1927-1976), Betty Trammell, Estelle Virginia Rhodes (1930-2019), Negal (1932-2016), and James Earl (1948-2022). Davis is buried in Cleveland First Baptist Church Cemetery, Cleveland, South Carolina.
Jackson, Ernest, Talladaga, Alabama
Jaggers, Moses, Rock Hill, South Carolina - Moses was born August 13, 1930 in South Carolina, a son of Spencer Jagger Sr. (1891-1977) and Irene Rawlinson Jaggers (1893-1975). His siblings were Willie (1916-1988), Rosie Mae Jaggers Reid (1920-2004), Elizah (1928-1980), Spencer Jr. (1921-1979), Nathaniel Matthew (1934-2023), Lincoln (1924-2004), Maggie Jaggers Jackson and Ruth Jaggers Scott. Moses is buried in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Jenkins, Herbert Hoover, Middleton, North Carolina - Herbert was born October 17, 1930, a son of Teat Hunter Jenkins (1892-1947) and Mattie Carter Jenkins (1897-1996). His siblings wre Carlton Jenkins Sr. (1939-2020), Wiley H. (1921-1981), Eric, Mrs. Alphonso (Bertie Mae Jenkins) Bridgforth (1925-2004), Leon (1936-2000), Shirley Jenkins Dukes and Joe B. Jenkins. Hebert H. Jenkins is buried in Roanoke Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery, Littleton, North Carolina.
Jenkins, Marvin, St. George, South Carolina - Marvin was born December 16, 1930 and is buried in Saint James AME Church Cemetery, Saint George, South Carolina.
Jenkins, Robert Jr., 22, Charleston, South Carolina
Jinks, Russell, Baxley, Georgia
Johnson, Henry A., Augusta, Georgia
Johnson, James Jr., Donaldsonville, Georgia
Johnson, Lawrence C., Newland, North Carolina - Lawrence was born January 27, 1931, the son of Lillard Burton Johnson (1904-1999) and Donna "Dona" Carpenter Johnson (1909-1933). His siblings were Beulah Dean Johnson Calhoun (1928-2004) and Baby Johnson. His half sibling was Janice Gail Johnson Morelli (1945-2020). Lawrence is buried in Ashley Cemetery, Newland, North Carolina.
Johnson, Robert C., Tucker, Georgia
Johnson, Robert W., Montgomery, Alabama
Johnson, Willie E., Ousley, Georgia - Willie was born February 05, 1929 and is buried in Forest Grove Cemetery, Clyattville, Georgia.
Jones, James Royce, Lyons, Georgia - James was born January 17, 1927, a son of Callie Jones (1906-1969) and Ellen Hardy Jones (1908-1974). His siblings were Albert Hayden Jones Sr. (1929-1989), Jean Jones Kelly (1937-2000) and David Thomas Jones (1943-2022). James is buried in Providence Baptist Church Cemetery, English Eddy, Georgia.
Jones, Jeff W., Tallahassee, Florida - Born July 07, 1927, he was the son of Mrs. Littie B.J. Jones. He is buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Thomasville, Georgia.
Josey, James E., Plevna, Alabama - Born April 20, 1931 in Plevna, Alabama, Pfc. Josey was the only son of Benjamin Edward Josey (1898-1994) and Lena Mae Walker Josey (1902-1988). He was a member of Company I, 2nd Infantry Division, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment. His body was accompanied home by his first cousin, A1C Lucian J. Walker and he is buried in Miller Cemetery, New Market, Alabama. His sister was Sarah Josey Neeley.
Joyner, Walter R., Atlanta, Georgia - Born on August 17, 1931, he was a son of Leroy W. Joyner Sr. (1892-1957). He is buried in Hillcrest Cemetery, East Point, Georgia.
Kelley, Leroy Jr., Columbia, South Carolina
Kelley, Pearl "J.P." (Joe), 23, Birmingham, Alabama - The son of an Alabama coalminer, Joe was survived by his wife Yvonne Smith Kelley. The couple met while she was roller skating and they married in July 1951. Three months later he left for Korea, where he served in a Field Artillery Battalion. He received a Purple Heart and a Silver Star. Yvonne eventually remarried and had one child, but she later divorced.
Kemp, Bruce McColeman, Roseville, Georgia - Born December 06, 1930 in Florida, he was a son of Dr. Malcolm Thomas Kemp (1883-1938) and Elizabeth Brown Kemp (1872-1993). His siblings were Eloise Catherine Kemp Strickland (1912-2016), Bernard Walton "Bernie" Kemp (1936-2016), and Tom Kemp. Bruce is buried in Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Kent, Joseph Onree, Porterdale, Georgia - Joseph was born August 16, 1933, a son of Joe L. Kenet (1903-1972) and Mollie M. Kent (1904-1969). His brother was John Lucious "Luke" Kent (1928-2007). Joseph is buried in Covington Mill Cemetery, Covington, Georgia.
King, John Henry, Goldsborough, North Carolina - John was born October 05, 1930. He and his wife, Julia Mae Crawford King, were parents of a son, Henry Alton King (1951-2023). John is buried in Wayne Memorial Park North, Goldsboro, North Carolina.
At approximately 0412 MST, January 7, 1953, an Associated Air Transport Curtiss C-46F, N1648M, being operated as Trip 1-6-6A, CAM, No. 4355J. between Seattle, Washington, and Fort Jackson, South Carolina, crashed approximately eight miles west of Fish Haven, Idaho. All 40 persons aboard, consisting of 37 passengers, all military personnel, and a crew of three lost their lives, and the aircraft was completely demolished.
Trip 1-6-6A originated at Boeing Field, Seattle, Washington, with the first stop scheduled at Cheyenne, Wyoming. The crew consisted of Captain Lawrence B. Crawford, First Officer Maxwell F. Perkins and Stewardess Marie Davis. Prior to departure the aircraft was serviced with 738 gallons of fuel and 60 gallons of oil. Pre-flight inspection was performed by the crew. The gross weight of the aircraft at departure was 45,401 pounds or 401 pounds over the maximum allowable gross weight of 45,000 pounds authorized for passenger operations; the distribution of the load on board, however, was within the prescribed center of gravity limitations.
Weather briefing of the crew by the United States Weather Bureau at Boeing Field indicated en route weather to be scattered to broken clouds to overcast with the tops estimated at 12,000 feet and a Cheyenne Terminal Forecast of scattered clouds at 15,000 feet, visibility of more than 15 miles. The weather briefing included a forecast of icing conditions in clouds and precipitations above 6,000 feet along the route, with cloud tops ranging from 10,000 to 14,000 feet MSL.
An IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) flight plan, filed by Captain Crawford and approved by the Civil Aeronautics Administration Air Route Traffic Control, Seattle, requested a cruising altitude of 13,000 feet to Cheyenne via Airways Green 2, Blue 12, Blue 32, Red 1, and Green 3, with a proposed true air speed of 200 m.p.h., estimated elapsed time five hours, with six hours and forty minutes of fuel aboard, alternate airport, Denver, Colorado.
The flight departed Boeing Field at 0050 and made the required position reports along the route, with no mention of any irregularities, reporting over Malad City at 13,000 feet, time 0358, and estimating Rock Springs at 0445.
There were no further radio contacts with the aircraft. All attempts to contact the flight by CAA radio stations and by other aircraft along and bordering the proposed route were unsuccessful. A widespread search for the missing aircraft was subsequently conducted under the supervision of Air Search and Rescue units of the United States Air Force.
Five days later, on January 12, 1953, at 1320 hours, the wreckage was sighted from the air by a Civil Air Patrol pilot. Two Air Force paramedics parachuted to the scene and immediately confirmed the aircraft's identity and determined that there were no survivors.
During their observation of the wreckage area, a strip of hard ice was noticed on the leading edge of the deicer boot of a partially exposed wing. This piece of ice was adhering to the boot, parallel to the leading edge and was about three feet long and uniformly about 1-1/2 inches thick and about 3/4 inches wide. Both ends of this strip appeared to be blunt. No other ice was seen on the aircraft wreckage.
On January 13 and 14, a military search party and Board investigators reached the crash site. It was agreed to by all concerned that it was impossible to find and identify the bodies or to conduct a detailed examination of the wreckage because of extremely deep and heavily drifted snow.
The military established and maintained a guard of the crash area until June 20, 1953, when recovery operations were completed and the last of the bodies had been removed.
The investigation at the scene of the accident revealed that the initial impact occurred when the aircraft, traveling on a heading of about 340 degrees and nearly level longitudinally, struck a small pine tree at an altitude of approximately 8,545 feet, 45 feet south of an 8,500-foot east-west ridge, and continued 377 feet in a nearly level attitude where contact was made with two large pine trees.
At this point several small bits of wreckage, including chips of propeller blades, were recovered. The aircraft continued on the same heading (340 degrees), striking another large pine tree 242 feet beyond and approximately 75 feet lower. From this point, the aircraft began to disintegrate as it continued down the slope at an approximate 50-degree angle shearing numerous trees. Contact with the ground was made at the base of the hill at the north end of a 93-foot ravine where the aircraft gouged three large holes in the ground.
The aircraft then continued up a 32-degree rise approximately 200 feet where the tail section came to rest. Several components of the wreckage continued over this hill approximately 350 feet. The wreckage was distributed over an area approximately 400 feet wide and 1,540 feet north from the point of initial impact.
Time of the crash was determined by impact-stopped watches as close to 0412. The location was 42 degrees 04 feet North latitude 111 degrees 32 feet West longitude.
Two oxygen bottles were found at the scene of the accident. Although the main valve on each cylinder was closed, both pressure gauges and output control valves were broken off. One bottle was completely charged, while the other, which was badly damaged, was partially discharged. Thus, it is evident that there was no shortage of oxygen supply.
Examination of the widespread and scattered wreckage yielded no clue or even suggestion that there had been structural or mechanical difficulty of any nature before impact. Further, the relatively flat angle of impact is indicative of partial control at the time the aircraft struck. There was no evidence of any fire or explosion before the crash.
Examination showed that both engines were rotating at the time of impact and that the propellers were in the cruising r.p.m. range which definitely indicated that power was being developed at impact. Damage was so extensive that it was impossible to follow through on the continuity of all control systems; however, those portions of control systems that could be examined were found to be properly fastened and safetied.
The aircraft was equipped with wing deicer boots but the cockpit unit controlling their use was not recovered. However, investigation disclosed that the deicer boots were operative when checked at Boston on January 4, 1953, three days prior to the accident. Due to the forecasted icing conditions en route to Cheyenne, it is probably that the pilot checked the aircraft's deicer equipment prior to departure from Seattle in accordance with standard operating procedure. Also, the propellers were equipped for deicing, and the 20 gallon anti-icer tank, supplying the propellers, the carburetor and the windshields, was full of alcohol when the aircraft left Cheyenne for Seattle on January 5, 1953.
The Board's investigation also disclosed that all the required items of navigation equipment were aboard the aircraft, and that the flight log found at the scene had been maintained with the last position entry over Malad City at 0358. It revealed no discrepancies. The indicated times over stations along the route coincided with reported times as recorded by the CAA radio stations.
According to company records, Captain Crawford and First Officer Perkins were both well qualified on C-46 aircraft, and were thoroughly familiar with the deicing equipment and its use. A company official testified that both had flown the route involved about 12 times during the year preceding the accident and were therefore familiar with terrain elevations. Investigation disclosed that both Captain Crawford and First Officer Perkins had received their required rest periods prior to departure from Seattle.
Had the flight continued on from Malad City at 13,000 feet, it would likely have entered the tops of the clouds over the mountains between Malad City and Bear Lake. During this short period that the flight would have been in the clouds, light rime ice and light to possibly moderate turbulence would have occurred. It is probable that the top portion of these clouds were predominately ice crystals, and that therefore sufficient water in the liquid state would not have been present to produce more than a light coating of ice. It seems likely that even this condition could have been flown over by an increase of altitude of not more than 500 feet. These conditions were verified by another flight that preceded N1648M by only a few minutes without any difficulty. There was no request received from the flight for a higher altitude. (Any change of altitude would require clearance from Air Route Traffic Control.)
Since the above conditions did exist at the time the flight was in the area, it is likely that an involuntary descent was made into an area of increasing ice and turbulence which extended two or three thousand feet above the mountains. The mountains between Malad City and Bear Lake range from 8,000 feet to in excess of 9,000 feet. The westerly winds were lifting the moist unstable air over those mountains, producing zero ceiling, moderate to severe turbulence, moderate to heavy icing and snow, with updrafts on the windward side of the slopes and downdrafts on the leeward sides. Ground observers in that area, none of whom saw any aircraft, described conditions as a blizzard. This was a local condition resulting from the air flow over this mountain range.
The general weather conditions at 13,000 feet in the area were not conducive to carburetor ice. However, had any icing occurred, the prompt application of alcohol or heat should have eliminated this condition. Since icing became progressively worse at lower altitudes, there is a possibility that any appreciable delay in taking corrective action could have caused a forced descent into worsening conditions. There was an ample supply of alcohol for both the carburetors and propellers.
As mentioned previously, a strip of hard ice was found on the leading edge of the deicer boot, parallel to the exposed supper surface of a wing. Although this ice was observed five days following the accident, there were strong indications that it had accumulated on the wing during descent. No ice was seen on the other exposed parts of the airplane and the absence of glazed ice or icicles on the boughs of trees is indicative that the wing ice had not formed following the accident. The configuration of the ice precludes the possibility of it having formed as a result of rain droplets after the crash. Furthermore, the blunt condition of both ends of the ice strip strongly suggests that it was the remaining portion of a larger ice layer on the leading edge which could well have been broken off during the crash. Since this ice was on the deicer boot, it shows that ice was forming on the boots so rapidly during descent that action of the boots themselves was not sufficient to break off and remove the ice completely.
Investigation disclosed that the aircraft struck on a heading almost 100 degrees from its intended course. This gives rise to the belief that during the descent a rapid accumulation of ice on the top surfaces of the wings would have seriously impaired the lift of the aircraft and probably adversely affected controllability despite the fact that the deicer boots could have been operating at the time. The airplane could not have maintained proper altitude much less climb had these conditions existed, even though maximum continuous power was being used.
It is well known that the rate of ice accretion and its quantity vary greatly under different conditions of temperature, moisture content, etc.
About 42 miles back from the crash site, over Malad City, the flight reported as being at 13,000 feet. The elapsed time from the Malad City report to the time of crash was about 14 minutes. Thus the ground speed over these 42 miles was about 180 miles per hour. Previous legs of the flight had been logged at ground speeds of 220-230 miles per hour. But the distance of the final segment, from Malad City, is short and the time determinations are subject to some error. Therefore, it may be presumed that the flight lost altitude while continuing straight ahead and on course at a somewhat reduced speed until shortly before the accident when a left turn was made. (The crash site was only about two miles from the center of the airway.) This somewhat reduced speed can be accounted for by the fact that light to moderate turbulence existed at the cruising level and became worse at the lower altitudes. (The company's Operation Manual specifies a speed reduction to 140 m.p.h. through turbulence.)
The flight previously mentioned, also eastbound, and only a few minutes earlier, did encounter some turbulence in the area and this pilot avoided it by increasing his altitude from 13,000 feet to 13,500 feet.
The crash site was several hundred miles from Cheyenne, the point of next intended landing, far too distant to start a letdown.
The fact that the aircraft was overweight by 401 pounds when it left Boeing Field cannot be considered as pertinent because the aircraft's weight at the time it crashed was some 3,000 pounds less than the weight at take-off due to fuel consumption.
The Board concludes from the evidence available that the aircraft encountered severe turbulence and the formation of heavy icing of the aircraft which precipitated its descent and subsequent crash. The Board is unable to state why the flight did not request and proceed to a higher altitude to clear the tops of the clouds. The reason for the initial descent is not known.
On the basis of all available evidence the Board finds that: The carrier, the crew and the aircraft were properly certified. Both the captain and copilot had received the required rest period at Seattle. The flight was routine until passing Malad City, the last reporting point. The flight reported being over Malad City at 13,000 feet, its assigned altitude. Light to moderate turbulence and light rime ice prevailed in cloud tops at cruising altitude, while at lower altitudes moderate to severe turbulence and moderate to heavy icing exists. Ice found on the wing had formed in flight. The crew had been adequately briefed by the U.S. Weather Bureau as to weather over the route prior to departure from Seattle. All major components of the aircraft were identified and examination of the wreckage disclosed no evidence of malfunction, failure or fire prior to impact. Both engines were developing power at impact. All navigation aids along the route were reported normal. The accident occurred within the airway and slightly to the left of course.
The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the inadvertent descent into an area of turbulence and icing which resulted in the flight's inability to regain a safe altitude.
Signed by the Civil Aeronautics Board: Oswald Ryan, Harmar D. Denny, Josh Lee, Joseph P. Adams, and Chan Gurney.
The Civil Aeronautics Board's office at Kansas City, Missouri, received notification of the accident through CAA Communications, at 0930, January 7, 1953. An investigation was immediately initiated in accordance with the provisions of Section 702(a)(2) of the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938, as amended. A public hearing was held in connection with the investigation of this accident at San Antonio, Texas, February 20 and 21, 1953. Additional reports of the Board's final examination of the wreckage were entered in the record by deposition at Kansas City, Missouri, on August 14, 1953.
Associated Air Transport, Inc., an irregular air carrier, is a Texas Corporation with its principal place of business at San Antonio, Texas. It is authorized to operate in the area of the Continental United States, Overseas and International, transporting passengers and cargo under the terms of Air Carrier Operating Certificate No. 1-740.
Captain Lawrence B. Crawford, age 28, was employed by Associated Air Transport on August 1, 1951. He was the holder of a valid airman certificate with an airline transport and appropriate aircraft rating. Captain Crawford had a total of 4,960 flying hours of which 1,055 were in C-46 aircraft. His last instrument check was accomplished October 27, 1952. He possessed a first-class medical certificate dated August 22, 1952, listing no restrictions.*
First Officer Maxwell F. Perkins, age 32, was employed by Associated Air Transport October 20, 1952. He held an airman certificate with a commercial pilot, multi-engine land and instrument ratings. He had a total of 3,584 flying hours, which included 1,445 hours on C-46 type aircraft. First Officer Perkins possessed a first-class medical certificate dated April 14, 1952, which contained a waiver for glasses.
Miss Dorothy Marie Davis was employed as a Stewardess by Associated Air Transport, on January 1, 1953. This was Miss Davis' first flight with the company.
N1648M, a Curtiss-Wright Model C-46F, Serial No. 2504, was certified under CAA Specifications 3A2. It was equipped with two Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engines with a total time of 673:33 hours since overhaul. Total time on the aircraft as of December 31, 1952, was 1,941:37 hours. The aircraft possessed a current Airworthiness Certificate issued December 12, 1952.
*Note: Civil Air Regulations require the holder of an airman certificate with an airline transport rating to take a physical examination each six months by a Medical Examiner certificated by the Civil Aeronautics Administration.
Kyle Moore, age 13, took on the creation of a memorial to the lost souls on this flight as an Eagle Scout project. In 2006, Moore researched the crash and its victims and decided to design and build a wooden cross in Cache-Wasatch National Forest. Joined by members of the Moore family, members of Troop 305, and Forest Service recreation employees, the cross was erected near another existing memorial. Kyle said he wanted visitors to the site to remember the sacrifices of those who died in the crash. Congratulations, Kyle and friends!
B-29 Superfortress Bomber Crash, February 02, 1953
A B-29 Superfortress bomber with the 301st Bomber Squadron, 352nd Bomber Wing based in Upper Hayford Air Base, England, crashed after taking off from Wheelus Field, Tripoli, Lybia on February 2, 1953. The plane was taking off on a training mission. Cause of the crash was not immediately determined. Fifteen crew members were killed. Fourteen of them were from the 301st Bomber Wing, formerly stationed at Barksdale AFB and temporarily assigned to duty in England. The list of crash fatalities was sent to the KWE by Art Lajeunesse of New York.
Fatalities
Armstrong, 1LT Lonzo Preston, Pilot - Bossier City, Louisiana. Born April 21, 1926, he was a son of John S. Armstrong (1899-1990) and Hazel E. Dunham Armstrong (1898-1985). His sibling was Milton L. Armstrong (1932-2017). Service Number 21552A. Lonzo is buried in Highland Cemetery, Okemah, Oklahoma.
Bellotte, Airman Harold D., Passenger [KWE research provided by Shannon M. Sakshaug via Findagrave: Harold David Bellotte was born on April 25, 1932, son of William David Bellotte (1889-1935) and Eula Lee Colson Bellotte (1893-1935). His sibling was Euna Kathalene Bellotte (1924-1931). Harold is buried in Orange Hill Cemetery, Williston, Florida.
Bolstad, T/SGT David W., Aero/Medical Specialist [KWE research: Born October 30, 1930, he is buried in Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon.] [Findagrave: He was a son of Otto D. Bolstad (1901-1989) and stepson of Helen Agnes Moser Falkenberg Bolstad (1906-1992). His siblings included Dan Bolstad, Helen Bolstad Campbell, Jean Bolstad Cassins, Ralph Bolstad, Lois Bolstad Olson, Joan Bolstad Ward, and one more sister (deceased).]
Corvelli, 1LT Daniel D., Navigator - Bossier City, LA. His wife was Betty Gene Corvelli.
Eley, Capt. Charles Wayne, Commander of the Aircraft. He was born in Bossier Parish, Louisiana on November 18, 1918. Service Number AO760606. His wife was Rose Marie Eley (1920-2016). The couple is buried in DeAnn Cemetery, Prescott, Arizona.
Grant, M/SGT William H., Medical/specialist - Bossier City, LA
Hackbarth, 1LT John T., Bombardier - Bossier City, LA
Jones, S/SGT Frederick Joe, Passenger [KWE research: Frederick was born April 10, 1925 and is buried in Oakland Cemetery Poteau, Oklahoma.] His wife was Hazel Jones.
Kloster, A/1C Talmadge L., Gunner [KWE research: Airman Kloster was born May 02, 1929 in Clearwater County, Minnesota, a son of Jacob N. Kloster (1894-1989) and Gertrude Kloster (1901-1997). His siblings were Orvis Neil (1924-2004), Morris O. (1926-1991) and Donald Larry (1944-2012). Talmadge is buried in Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Fosston, Minnesota.]
Lovvorn, Airman Frank James, Radio operator [KWE research: Airman Lovvorn was born April 05, 1930 and is buried in Gethsemane Cemetery and Crematory, Detroit, Michigan]
McDowell, A/1C James Clark, Passenger [KWE research: James was born January 26, 1933 and is buried in Park Cemetery, Bridgeport, Connecticut.] He was the son of Willard A. McDowell (1904-1971) and Lillian A. McDowell (1912-2006).
Willis, Airman Ray Oden, Passenger [KWE research: Ray was born September 2, 1931, son of Dexter Oden Willis (1891-1973) and Marie Munch Willis (1899-1951). A 1950 graduate of Norview High School in Norfolk, Ray is buried in Riverside Memorial lPark, Norfolk, Virginia
Wilson, A/1C Donald V. , Gunner [Findagrave: Born in 1929 in Fulton, Missouri, he was a son of Allie B. Wilson (1896-1972) and Anna Gertrude Simms Wilson (1896-1971). His siblings were Arthur James Wilson (1921-1968), Helen Wilson Tyree, Faye Wilson Bell, and Norman Wilson. Donald is buried in Callaway Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum, Fulton, Missouri.]
Young, 2LT Frederick, Radio observer [KWE research: He is buried in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, New Jersey] He was the son of William Frank Young, New Jersey.
Yuvan, A1C James A., Gunner - Hutchinson, PA. James was born August 27, 1932, son of Frank Yuvan (1915-1974) and Dorothy Jane Roebuck Yuvan (1915-2009). James is buried in West Newton Cemetery, West Newton, Pennsylvania.
During a low-altitude flight over the Atlantic Ocean, RB-36 (#51-13721), an all-weather bomber, struck an 896-foot tall ridge near Nut Grove (Burgoyne's Cove), Newfoundland, Canada, on March 18, 1953 at an altitude of 800 feet. The pilots were off-course and had misjudged speed, arriving at the coast of Newfoundland 1.5 hrs. early. The plane exploded on impact, killing all 23 aboard.
That same night, a SAR aircraft (Boeing SB-29-70-BW Superfortress, #44-69982) of the 52d ARS, 6th ARG, based at Harmon AFB, Newfoundland, was sent out to assist the search for the crashed RB-36 and went missing shortly before landing, apparently crashing into St. Georges Bay and killing the crew of 11. The victims were: Capt. Francis Xavier Quinn, Dorchester, Massachusetts; Capt. William A. Roy, San Antonio, Texas; First Lt. Rodger D. Null, Venice, California; First Lt. Robert W. Errico, Bronx, New York; S/Sgt. David E. Kimbrough, Roswell, New Mexico; Cpl. David E. Rash, Beaverton, Oregon; A/1c Robert J. Montgomery, Mountain Grove, Missouri; A/3c Michael Kerr, Jr., Chisholm, Minnesota; A/3c Sammy O. Jones, Akron, Ohio; and A/3c James E. Coggins, Allston, Massachusetts.
[KWE Note: Source of the next two paragraphs: www.reddit.com.]
"Brig. Gen. Richard E. Ellsworth, commander of the 28th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing was co-piloting on a 25-hour journey as part of a simulated combat mission flying from Lajes Airdrome in the Azores back to Rapid City Air Force Base, South Dakota. As part of the exercise, the bomber was observing radio silence and had switched off their radar guidance, flying via celestial navigation. They had planned to fly low over the ocean, steadily increasing to higher altitudes before reaching the mountainous countryside of Newfoundland. Late into the night, the aircraft struck bad weather and went off course, reaching Newfoundland 90 minutes earlier than planned.
"At 0410 hrs. at a hill near Burgoyne's Cove, inland from Nut Cove, Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, with sleet, fog, freezing drizzle, and visibility estimated at less than 1⁄8-mile (0.20 km), the plane struck an 896-foot (273 m) hill at 800 feet (240 m) with a ground speed of 202 knots (374 km/h). The aircraft's propellers severed the tops of pine trees while the plane's left wing hit the ground, tore off, and spilled fuel. The rest of the plane impacted some thousand feet further. The impact and subsequent fire from the plane's fuel tanks scorched an 8-foot-deep (2.4 m) trench in the countryside. Loggers on a nearby hill spotted the fireball and alerted rescuers, but all 23 on board were killed on impact. Much of the wreckage remains at the crash site."
[KWE Note: The following information was found on the "Hidden Newfoundland" website.]
"In order to test North America's defense systems, multiple RB-36H Peacemaker reconnaissance aircraft from the 28th Reconnaissance Wing out of Rapid City Air Force Base in South Dakota took off from the Canary Islands and attempt to enter the continent undetected. The planes were set to maintain a 500 foot altitude to avoid detection and once they entered the continental US they would climb to 40,000 feet and proceed to designated targets. On the night of March 17, 1953, these aircraft took off in 15 minute intervals en route to North America. The mission commander, General Richard E. Ellsworth was in the first plane to leave and was the only person in the air force who knew when the mission started. In order to navigate to the United States in total secrecy, the pilots would use sextons, a navigation instrument, and would have to rely on weather forecasts which meant they weren’t able to be given updates if anything changed."
Fatalities (by alpha order):
Beard, SSgt. Ira Vester - gunner - Sergeant Beard was born April 15, 1927 and was from Sentinel, Oklahoma. His wife was Charlotte Grace Wood Ebeling (1931-2007). They married in 1951. Ira is buried in Sentinel Cemetery, Sentinel, Oklahoma.
Bransdor, Lt. Clifford Walter - ECM/observer - Lieutenant Bransdor was born September 22, 1920 and was from Cook County, Illinois. He was the son of Walter and Ebba Bransdor. His one sibling was Jacquline Bransdor. [KWE Note: Her first name might be spelled incorrectly.] Clifford was a World War II veteran, serving with the Boucek Crew of the 753rd Squadron. He was later transferred to the 755th Squadron. From 1944-1945 he flew 34 combat missions over Germany.
Clark, Capt. Orion F. - pilot - Orion was from Rapid City, South Dakota. His widow died in December of 2010. They had two children, a son age 3 and a daughter age 6.
Ellsworth, Brig. Gen. Richard E. - co-pilot & commander - B.G. Ellsworth was born July 18, 1911 in Erie, Eerie County, Pennsylvania, the son of John Elmer Ellsworth (1872-1932) and Edna M. Ellsworth (1872-1945). His wife was Mary Anne Thornton Ellsworth (later Borglum) (1917-1985). Richard is buried in Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, South Dakota. United States Army Brigadier General. His military career began in 1929 when he joined the Pennsylvania National Guard. Two years later he was accepted to the U.S. Military Academy and then went on to pilot training in Texas. He received a master's degree in meteorology from the California Institute of Technology. In 1943 he participated in the Pacific war offensives flying more than 400 combat missions in the China-Burma-India Theater. He logged more than 780 hours of flying. He received battle stars for 8 campaigns, earned the Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Air Medals and received the Chinese Air Force Wings. After the war he returned to the United States and took over the responsibilities of Chief of Operations and Training for the Air Weather Service in Washington D.C. In September 1952, he was promoted to Brigadier General. During the early 1950's he assisted the filming of the movie, "Battles of Chief Pontiac" starring Lex Barker, Helen Westcott and Lon Chaney Jr. General Ellsworth allowed military personnel from the Air Force Base to perform as extras in the movie and he also provided water trucks for the movie crews. In the Spring of 1953 he was co-piloting a bomber on a 25-hour simulated combat mission flying from the Azores to Rapid City, South Dakota. Part of the simulation included observation of radio silence and use of no radar guidance. Celestial navigation was part of the training. Late in the night they encountered bad weather and went off course. At about 4:10 AM, near Burgoyne's Cove in Newfoundland, the bomber struck an 896 foot hill while traveling at 202 knots. At the time, visibility was reported to be about 1/8 of a mile. General Ellsworth and 22 of the crew were killed on impact. On June 13, 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower went to the Rapid City Air Force Base and re-named it Ellsworth Air Force Base in honor of the General.
Fauhl, Capt. Stuart Gerard - navigator/observer - Born on June 16, 1925, Stuart was from Bessemer, Michigan. His wife was Wanda Cook Fauhl (1928-1989) and they had one son, Alan Fauhl, who had just turned three years old. Stuart was an only child. Wanda later married Lt. Col. Junius Chadwick.
Hoppens, A2C Keith Edward - gunner. Keith was born September 9, 1928, a son of Edward August Hoppens (1903-2978) and Martha Frieda Arp Hoppens (1906-1989). His wife was Shirley Ann Nuss Hoppens (1932-2009). The couple married in 1951. They had two children, Vickie Hoppens (vanHall) and Kenneth Hoppens. Keith's siblings were Robert LaVerne Hoppens (1927-2013), Dean Raymond Hoppens (1934-2004) and JoAnn Hoppens Pettyjohn. Keith is buried in Harvard Cemetery, Harvard, Nebraska. There is a cenotaph in his honor in Sutton Cemetery, Sutton, Nebraska.
Kuzik, A1C Theodore J. - gunner - Theodore was born in 1930, son of Peter Kuzik (1890-1964) and Helen Kuzik (1890-1962). His siblings were Paul Kuzik (1925-1946), William "Bill" Kuzik (1919-2008), Doris Kuzik (died 2009), Anne Kuzik Heaton, Thomas Kuzik, Xenia Olga Moran (Mrs. Stephen J. Moran Jr. (1922-2008), John Kuzik, and Peter Kuzik. Theodore is buried in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, Morris County, New Jersey.
Maher, Capt. William Patrick "Bill" - radar observer - Born on October 19, 1915, in Manchester, New Hampshire, William was working for the Manchester City Street Railway Company as a bus repairer in 1940. He enlisted in April 1942 and was sent overseas. Assigned to the 303rd Bomb Group/358th Bomb Squadron in England. Shot down over France in B-17 42-29635 'Augerhead' on the 31 August 1943 mission to bomb the Amiens/Glisy airfield, France. After bailing out, he landed just South of Abbeville, France. Helped by French patriots and the Belgian Comet evasion network, he crossed into Spain on 22 September 1943, reached Gibraltar on 1 October and was back in England on 5 October 1943. Maher was a member of the William Monahan crew, which usually flew B-17F #41-24577 'Hell's Angels'. After WWII, William Maher returned to the US and stayed in the Air Force, serving last as a Navigator/ Observer on RB-36 aircraft out of Rapid City. He is buried in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.
Maltsberger, TSgt. Jack Highlander - crew chief - Jack was born on September 17, 1928, a son of John Nelson Maltsberger (1892-1980) and Ethel Belle Frey Maltsberger (1891-1971). He married Marian L. Talley (1930-2016) in 1950 and they had two sons, John and Jim. John later joined the US Navy and Jim joined the US Air Force. Jack had three siblings: John Otho Maltsberger (1917-1983), Raynard W. (Beanie) Maltsberger, and Marian Maltsberger (Mrs. Dale W. Swaney 1923-2014). Jack is buried in Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, Everett, Washington.
Mancos, A2c Phillip Jr. - gunner - Phillip was born August 17, 1931, son of Phillip T. Mancos (1899-1975) and Lydia K. Mancos (1901-1997). He is buried in Sunset Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Chester, Virginia.
Meader, 1Lt. Edwin James - flight engineer - Edwin was born January 25, 1920 in Iowa, a son of Harry Lawrence Meader (1893-2954) and Eunice Frances Christopher Meader (1895-1970). He married Ila Mae Meyer (1926-2017) in 1945. They had five children, the youngest being six months old. Edwin's siblings were Ethel Meader Smith (1916-2009), Levi Howard Meader (1918-1967), William R. Meader (1923-1966), and Marvin D. Meader (1935-1953). Edwin is buried in Pine View Cemetery, Delaware, Delaware County, Iowa.
Murray, Maj. John Francis - ECM - John was born June 13, 1917 and was a World War II veteran from Wisconsin. He was a reservist who was called back into active duty in 1950. His widow was Marion L. Jaeger Murray (1917-2010). John is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nall, A2c Robert H. - observer - Bobby Nall was born December 21, 1932, a son of John VanBuren Nall Sr. (1896-1969) and Winnie Helveston Nall (1900-1976). His siblings were John VanBuren Jr. (1921-1944), William N. "Bill" Nall (1936-2005) and Mrs. Bill (Margaret Nall) Netterville. Bobby's brother John died in a mid-air plane collision. Robert Nall is buried in Highland Cemetery, Hatiesburg, Forrest County, Mississippi.
Pace, 1Lt. James E. - flight engineer - Born October 4, 1918. James's wife was Ethel Deming Pace (1897-1989). They adopted a son, Charles William "Bill" Pace (1945-1989). James is buried in Grove Hill Memorial Park, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas.
Plonski, TSgt. Walter A. - radio operator - Born December 24, 1925, Walter was the son of Wladyslaw "Walter" Plonski (1889-1963) and Laura Hermonowski Ponski (1905-1982). His brother was Anthony W. Plonski (1932-2009), and his sisters were Ciel Plonski and Pearl Plonski. Walter is buried in Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Taylor, Lackawanna, Pennsylvania.
Powell, 1Lt. James A. Jr. - ECM/observer - James Jr. was born on August 21, 1921, the son of James Alfred Powell Sr. and Myrtle Amy Burkett Powell (1894-1978). He had one sister, Anita Louise Powell (1915-1998). James Jr. is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Pruett, Capt. Jacob Henry Jr. - aircraft commander - Jacob was born on November 30, 1922. He married Helen Olivia French (1923-2001) in 1944 in Kanawha County, West Virginia. They had two children, Jacob Pruett III, age 9 months, and Linda Pruett (now Bauer), who was almost two at the time of Captain Pruett's death. In 1955, Jacob's widow married Frank Benjamin Higginbotham. Jacob Pruett Jr. is buried in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston, Kanawha County, West Virginia.
Rogers, A2c Morris Henry - photographer - Morris was born November 22, 1932, in Idaho. He is buried in Washington Heights Memorial Park, Ogden, Weber County, Utah.
Smith, Capt. Harold George - photo navigator - Harold was born December 07, 1923, in Pennsylvania, son of Harold Smith and Phyllis A. Reinhart Smith (1898-1968). Captain Smith had one siblings, his sister Jean R. Smith Benyi (1921-1950). He is buried in Mount Laurel Memorial Park, Hazleton, Pennsylvania.
Ullom, SSgt. Robert E. - gunner - Born March 23, 1932, Robert was a son of Harry Elmer Ullom and Josephine Marie Smart Ullom (1900-1985). His siblings were Harry Herbert Ullom (1923-2002), Martha Ullom Barnard, and Mary Ullom Strayer. Robert's brother Harry H., was a World War II POW whose B-17 was shot down over Germany. Robert is buried in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens, New Carlisle, Clark County, Ohio.
Vaughn, A1c Burse Jones - radio operator - Burse Jr. was born on April 6, 1932, in Clay, Webster County, Kentucky, son of Burse J. Vaughn Sr. (1904-1972) and Hazel M. Vaughn (1906-2003). He was a 1950 graduate of an Evansville (Indiana) high school. He enlisted in the Air Force July 17, 1951 and after completion of basic training at Sampson Air Force Base, New York, he was assigned to Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. On May 14, 1952 he was assigned to Rapid City Air Force Base, South Dakota, as a radio operator. Survivors besides the parents are his wife, Barbara, a sister, Mrs. Ray Cannan (1930-2003); and a brother, Billy Vaughn, Evansville; and his grandmother, Mrs. J. T. Sights, Clay. Airman Vaughn is buried in Locust Hill cemetery, Evansville, Indiana.
Winegardner, MSgt.Jack S. - photographer - Jack was born March 20, 1924. His wife was Katherine Winegardner (1930-1979). He is buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, California.
Wright, Maj. Frank C. - Frank was born August 16, 1916. His widow was Evelyn Ruth Wright (1920-2007). Major Wright received the Distinguished Flying Cross for valor while serving with the crew of the B-24D "Angie the Ox" during World War II. Frank and Evelyn are buried in Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, South Dakota. His hometown was Parade, South Dakota.
This B-29 was with the 375th Bomber Squadron, 308th Bomber Wing stationed at Hunter AFB, Georgia. On March 29, 1953, the B-29 departed from Lajes Field, Azores en route to Hunter AFB. Shortly after take off it crashed near Praia, Terceira Island, Azores, killing six airmen.
Fatalities:
Adcock, Maj. Hugh Smithson Jr. - CO of the 375th Bomber Squadron. Major Abcock was from St. Petersburg, Florida. Born February 24, 1916 in Pike County, Alabama, he was a veteran of World War II. Service Number AO-433443. He attended Millsap College, Jacksons, Mississippi. He was the son of Hugh Smithson Adcock Sr. (1892-1948) and Pura C. Whitehurst Adcock Tucker (1897-1961). His wife was Geraldine Wilson (1916-1990), whom he married in 1942. Their children were Sylvia J. Adcock Gilbreath (1944-2018) and Fred Dennis Adcock (1950-2013). Major Adcock is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Petersburg, Florida.
Bowen, Capt. Louis Carl - CO of B-29. He was from Atlanta, Georgia. Service Number AO-817622. He was born September 14, 1915 in Atlanta, a son of Louis Carl Bowen Sr. (1883-1926). He married Thelma Groover (1915-2009) in 1939 and they were parents of Carl Bowen, Louis Bowen III, and Mrs. Allen (Jane) Brinckerhoff. His brother was Robert Baker Bowen (1917-1987). Captain Bowen is buried in Westview Cemetery, Atlanta.
Cherry, A/1C Jimmy Dan - radio operator. He was from Blue Lake, California. Service Number AF19364210. Airman Cherry was born May 19, 1933 in Wood County, Texas, the son of George Clem Cherry (1908-1993) and Elvia Lee "Bing" Brooke Cherry (1910-1962). His sisters were Norma Jean "Jeanie" Reynolds (1940-2004) and Ruth Warren. Jimmy Dan is buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery.
Daniel, T/Sgt. Isaac Moye - flight engineer. He was from Macon, Georgia. Service Number AF14254655. Sergeant Daniel was born February 26, 1928 in Laurens County, Georgia, a son of Mr. Beverly Moye Daniel (1903-1948) and Sarepta T. Taylor Daniel (1907-1947). His brother was Beverly Taylor "Slim" Daniel (1926-2009. Sergeant Daniel is buried in Snow Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Rentz, Georgia.
Devlin, S/Sgt. Wilmer Richard - passenger. He was from Stanaford, West Virginia. Service Number AF14364613. Sergeant Devil was born May 10, 1925. He is buried in Stanaford Cemetery, Stanaford, West Virginia.
Wallace, 1LT Roy Wesley - navigator. He was from Portland, Oregon. Service Number AO-1912300.
According to the Times Union newspaper (March 3, 1953), the seriously injured crew members were as follows:
1LT William R. Sundermann, Philadelphia, PA
1LT William J. Pederson, Oakland, CA
A2C Fred W. Maschner, Evansville, IN
A1C Charles M. Caillouett Jr., San Antonio, TX
A2C Daniel lL. Browder, Sibley, IA
Not-seriously-injured:
1LT Thomas W. Minter, Chicago, IL
SSgt. Yulee Mickler, Jacksonville, FL
A2C Arthur L. Turk, Jr., Tifton, GA
A2C James F. Locklin, Franklin, MA
Initial information about this crash was submitted to the KWE by Art Lajeunesse of Latham, New York, and the KWE followed up with more research..
The aircraft of Lt. David Charles Clements (#51-1022) crashed in Japan on April 16, 1953, 12 miles north of Obuchi, Japan, Misawa Air Base, Japan. The Lieutenant's remains were recovered on June 29, 1992. He was reported to have been on a routine training mission of four aircraft when a malfunction led to ejection. His remains were recovered by farmers forty years later. His remains were found in the ejection seat in the area of Eboshi-Dake near Mutsu Bay and Mount Aomori, aka Eboshi-Dake.
Lieutenant Clements was a member of the 468th Strategic Fighter Squadron of the United States Air Force. Born January 29, 1936, he was the son of Daniel E. and Hazel E. Clements. His remains were buried in Glen Abbey Memorial Gardens, Auburndale, Florida.
On May 12, 1953, a pilotless target drone plane went out of control, crashed into a catwalk on the USS Wright CVL-49, and exploded. Three servicemen were killed and four were injured. The USS Wright was on a training cruise en route to the Gulf of Mexico when the accident happened. The 14,500 ton aircraft carrier was 300 miles off Key West, Florida at the time. The drone plane had been hit by anti-aircraft fire at 1500 feet and again at 600 feet, causing it to go out of control. The carrier's catwalk ended along the sides of the flight deck.
Fatalities
Anderson, Seaman Apprentice Herman Lee - Born October 02, 1934, he was the son of Enoch Herman Anderson (1892-1941) and Eva Lee Gillenwater Anderson, West Virginia. He is buried in Woodlawn Memorial Park, Bluefield, West Virginia.
Johnston, Hospital Corpsman 2C Orval Dewayne - Born November 28, 1927 in Jay County, Indiana, he was the son of Luther Johnston and Emma Ellen Brock Johnston. He was the husband of Mrs. Shirley Estelle Haywood Johnston (later Farmer), Maryus, Virginia. They were married June 26, 1952 in Gloucester County, Virginia. Orval is buried in Union Baptist Church Cemetery, Achilles, Virginia.
McNeal, Stewardsman Robert Leslie Jr. - He was the son of Mrs. Louella McNeal, Smithfield, Virginia.
Seven airmen were killed on May 15, 1953, when two C-119 Flying Boxcars and an F-84 Thunderjet collided 40 miles south of Frankfurt. The Boxcars were flying at an altitude of 5,000 feet. The F-84 (tail number 51-628) broke into a formation of C-119 Boxcars, rammed into C119 (tail number 51-8241), and tore the wing off C119 (tail number 51-8235). The F-84 pilot (Lt. James W. Chilton) and three crewmen from the Flying Boxcars ejected and parachuted to safety. Two other transports were damaged but made it back to base safely.
Clement, Cpt. Wesley Yeo - aircraft observer on C119 #51-8235
Dahl, Lt. Edwin Eugene - co-pilot of C119 #51-8241
Osborn, Lt. Col. John William - flight commander for C119 #51-8235
Ray, Maj. Joseph H. - co-pilot of C119 #51-8235
Sohns, SSgt. Dean Oscar - radio operator on C119 51-8235
Thompson, Cpt. Carl J. - navigator on C119 #51-8235
Wells, Maj. Williston G. "Bill" - pilot of C119 #51-8241
Battiste, A1C Michael - engineer on C-119 #51-8241
Chilton, Lt. James W. - pilot of the F-84
Globemaster Crash, June 18, 1953 (Tachikawa, Japan)
On this date, two F2H Banshees collided in mid-air during a night training mission. The pilot of F2H #126384 was killed and was found two days later still strapped in his ejection seat in a wooded area in West Greenwich. The pilot of F2H #126411, LTJG James J. Schollian, parachuted to safety.
Fatality
Snipes, LTJG Jack Oliver - Born October 01, 1928 in Greensboro, North Carolina, he was the son of Ransom Oliver Snipes (1902-1956) and Martha Eliza Hodges Snipes (1903-1988). He left high school in his senior year to enlist in the Navy on February 18, 1947. He later received his GED from East High school in 1948. He was the recipient of an Air Medal for heroism during the Korean War. The citation reads:
“For meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of a jet fighter plane attached to Fighter Squadron Seventy One, during operations against enemy Communist Forces in North Korea on 23 June 1952, Ensign Snipes bravely and skillfully executed two bombing and strafing runs against Fusen number two hydro-electric power plant obtaining hits in the target area. He inflicted serious damage to the installation in the face of enemy anti-aircraft fire and contributed materially in the complete destruction of this vital plant. His outstanding courage and skillful airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service”
Lieutenant Snipes completed 20 combat missions over North Korea from September 22, 1952 to December 12, 1952. He is buried in Prospect Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery, Dunn, North Carolina..
R4Q Fairchild Marine Cargo Plane Crash, July 17, 1953 (Milton, Florida)
Young college students, all Navy midshipmen, many of whom were teenagers, were injured or lost their lives in a fiery plane crash near Milton, Florida on July 17, 1953. There were 41 casualties among the passengers and crew. The midshipmen victims had just completed a three-week familiarization course in naval aviation at NAS, Cabaniss Field and NAAS Kingsville. For many of them, it was their first time in an airplane. There were 40 Naval ROTC men and six Marine crewmen aboard the R4Q Fairchild Packet plane (the Marine version of the C119 Flying Boxcar) which was regularly attached to the 2nd Marine Air Wing based at Cherry Point, North Carolina. All the ROTC men were college students, in their sophomore and junior years and from many states. As part of their reserve work they are required to take six weeks summer training at naval installations in Corpus Christi and Norfolk. Altogether, 1,600 ROTC men are taking part in this summer's program, half of them at Corpus Christi and half at Norfolk.
At the end of three weeks, the 800 at Norfolk and 800 at Corpus Christi swapped bases for the final three weeks. The group which had stopped at Whiting was half of the 800 being flown to Norfolk. Part of a flight of five transports ferrying the NROTC men from Corpus Christi, Texas to Norfolk, Virginia, for another phase of their six-week summer training program, the cargo plane had left from a refueling stop at Whiting Field minutes before it crashed on a farm near Pensacola and burst into flames. It crashed into a group of trees 0.75 miles past the runway end, hit three parked cars, and then plowed into a barn on the Ray Allen farm. Navy rescue teams found six survivors, but one died en-route to a hospital.
Three others died a few days later. A message on the internet by T.G. Lilly stated: "Three of the initial five survivors died several days later in the Pensacola Naval Hospital: Dale E. Scott, a student at the University of Oklahoma, died on Wednesday, July 22, 1953; Captain C. E. Graff died the following day; and Thomas F. Maggard, a student at the University of Utah, died on Sunday, July 26, 1953. The only survivors were Corporal Jerome Tuttle, navigator, and midshipman Jay B. Weidler, Jr., of Rice Institute."
The ten NROTC midshipmen from Rice Institute were honored with a plaque in the Rice Memorial Center in 2005. The plaque was designed by classmate and architect John Joiner. Further information and photographs of the Rice midshipmen can be found in the Volume II, No. 3, Fall 2006 issue of The Cornerstone newsletter of the Rice Historical Society. The article was written by Mary S. Dix.
Survivors
Tuttle, Cpl. J.P. - USMC, son of Jerome W. Tuttle, Chaumont, New York, crew member (serious condition)/Buried in Peoples Cemetery, Woodward, Iowa. He died September 14, 1994.
Weidler, Jay Benoir, Jr. - NROTC, student, son of Jay B. Weidler, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, student at Rice Institute (serious condition). Jay Benoir Weidler, Jr., 86, of Brenham, Texas died on November 17, 2019. He was born May 27, 1933 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Emma Dorothy (Stalker) Weidler and Jay Benoir Weidler, Sr. (b. 3-8-1901; d. 6-22-1969 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).
Jay grew up in Philadelphia, attended Central High School (196th graduating class), and left for Rice Institute in Houston, Texas in 1951. He joined the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (N.R.O.T.C.) and tragically was one of the only survivors of a plane crash occurring shortly after midnight on July 17, 1953 in Pensacola, Florida as part of midshipman amphibious training.
After recovering from his injuries at home in Philadelphia, he returned to college for his junior year. He graduated from Rice Institute in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. He then served in the Marine Corps, as an Engineering Officer ending with a rank of First Lieutenant. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1959 and from the reserves in 1964.
He returned to Rice in 1959 for graduate school, earning a Masters in Science in 1961 and a Doctor of Philosophy in 1965 in civil engineering, followed by postdoctoral work at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island from 1965 to 1968. He left academia and returned to Houston in 1969 to join Brown & Root, Inc. and rose to Senior Vice President, Chief Marine Engineer and Director of Technology, semi-retiring in 2000, and fully retiring in 2004 after consulting part-time.
Dr. Weidler had over 45 years of engineering experience in the military, academic, and industrial fields. He authored or co-authored 26 technical papers and held five patents. Weidler's accomplishments included the design, fabrication and installation of the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, which received the ASCE Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award in 1982. In 1995, Jay was the Offshore Technology Conference recipient of the Distinguished Achievement Award for Individuals for significant leadership in the application of structural engineering concepts and approaches that allowed the safe and economic development in challenging offshore areas worldwide, including the Gulf of Mexico, North Slope and Cook Inlet, Alaska, and the North Sea. Also in 1995, he was awarded the American Society of Civil Engineers John G. Moffatt-Frank E. Nichol Harbor and Coastal Engineering Award. He was inducted in 1998 to the Offshore Pioneers Hall Fame as a charter member at the Offshore Energy Center in Galveston, Texas. Dr. Weidler was a two-term member of the Rice University Alumni Board, an initial Chairman of Industry Advisory Board for the University of Texas/ Texas A&M University for the establishment of the Offshore Technology Research Center, 1988-1990. Jay was also on the Board of Trustees of the Southwest Research Institute, served as Brown & Root representative to the American Petroleum Institute Committee Two, Committee for Standardization of Offshore Structures and was active on numerous subcommittees, work groups as a member and/ or chairman for over twenty-five years.
Jay married Mary Hughston "Mary Hugh" Patrick in 1961 in Houston, Texas. Jay is survived by: his wife, Mary, his daughters, Teresa Weidler and Julia Hall Weidler; his son and daughter-in-law, John Benoir Weidler and Christine Elizabeth Edwards; his grandchildren, Jodie Olivia Tokumoto; Sean Mareo Tokumoto; Joseph Thomas Weidler; and Elise Catherine Weidler; Jay's younger sister, Phyllis Jane (Weidler) Gilbert; and his three nephews and their wives: Samuel Vanderpoel Gilbert IV (wife Kristine), Jay Benoir Gilbert (wife Marti), and Geoffrey Calderwood Gilbert (wife Jennifer), and their children .
Jay was preceded in death by: his parents, his grandchild, Corinne Elizabeth Weidler; his brother-in-law, Samuel Vanderpoel Gilbert III; his aunts, Phyllis Edith Stalker; Jessie Apoline (Weidler) Oberholtzer; Jane Groff (Weidler) Blizzard; his uncles, Robert Dobson Stalker; William John Stalker, Jr.; Edward Dale Stalker; Joseph Grier Weidler; John Alford Weidler; James Theodore Weidler; Grier Lud Orth Weidler, Jr.; and his grandparents, Grier Lud Orth Weidler, Sr.; Jessie Apoline (Bennor) Weidler; William John Stalker, Sr.; Emma Dorothy (Hall) Stalker; his father-in-law, William Lester Patrick; and mother-in-law, Julia Emma (Taylor) Patrick.
A funeral service at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Brenham, Texas. Memorial Oaks Chapel – Brenham had charge of arrangements. [Source: Findagrave]
Fatalities
Bailey, Edward Lee Jr. - son of Maggie J. Nicol (1905-1993), Webster, Texas, student at Rice Institute. His goal was to become a chaplain. He was a passenger.
Bates, Eldred Donor Jr. - Born June 24, 1933, he was the son of Eldred Donor Bates Sr. and Mrs. Augusta Bates Meyer, Norman, Oklahoma. He was a student at the University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. He is buried in the IOOF Cemetery, Norman.
Biles, William R. "Billy" - son of William Ray Biles (1906-1982) and Irene L. Biles (1911-2003), Springfield, Missouri, student at University of Missouri. He was a passenger. Born July 2, 1931, Bill is buried in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri.
Caldwell, Frank McFaden - son of Lawrence C. Caldwell, Richmond, Virginia, student at Rice Institute. He was a member of the Rice golf team and had just graduated with a major in physics. He was a passenger.
Clayton, Edward R. - son of Arthur E. Clayton, Park Ridge, Illinois, student at Rice Institute. He was an economics major and a passenger.
Coyle, George W. Jr. - son of George W. Coyle Sr. (1903-1981) and Lucile K. "Lucy" Kline Coyle (1907-1994), Maplewood, Louisiana, student at Rice Institute. George Jr. was born in 1932 and is buried in Fairview Cemetery, Coffeyville, Kansas. He was in his junior year in business administration.
Daniel, Raymond Archie - son of Archie Washington Daniel (1991-1940) and Amy Lorena Mosley Daniel (1908-1994), Houston, student at Rice Institute. He was a passenger. Born July 08, 1931 in Waco, Texas, he is buried in Forest Park Cemetery, Houston, Texas. It is possible that Raymond had a sister named Mary Elizabeth Ann Daniel, but the KWE has not confirmed this. He was a graduate of Houston's John H. Reagan High School, had already received his ensign's commission, and planned to return to Rice for a master's in electrical engineering before his Navy duty.
Dickson, Robert Kay Marshall - son of Robert Charles Dickson, El Paso, student at Rice Institute. Born August 20, 1934, he is buried in Fort Bliss National Cemetery, El Paso, Texas. He was a junior in electrical engineering and a passenger.
Elston, Wallis C. - son of Herbert Elston, Houston, student at Rice Institute. His family moved to Houston when he was a teenager. He wanted to enter medical school. He was a passenger.
Fahrenkamp, Emil Edmund - son of Emil Edmund and Thelma Mann Fahrenkamp, Fort Worth, University of Oklahoma. He was born April 28, 1934 in Big Spring, Texas and was the Fahrenkamp's only child. He was a passenger. He is buried in Greenwood Memorial Park and Mausoleum, Fort Worth, Texas.
Farley, TSgt. Jerome L. - husband of Shirley J. Farley, Fort Macon Village, North Carolina/Died July 17, 1953/Buried in St. Jerome's Cemetery, Columbus, Wisconsin.
Graff, Capt. Charles E. - pilot, Morehead City, North Carolina (critical condition). He died July 18, 1953 and is buried in Crescent Cemetery, Crescent, Oklahoma.
Heddleson, Charles Stewart - son of Warren Floyd Heddleson (1913-1976) and Fanchon Stewart Heddleson (1912-2002), Oklahoma City, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. Born May 17, 1933, he is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His sister was Margaret Nell Heddleson Harvey (1938-1990).
Hughes, John Paul - son of W. T. Hughes, Oklahoma City, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. Born February 23, 1933, he is buried in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Kingen, James J. - brother of John H. Kingen (?), Tarrytown, New York, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. James was born June 18, 1932, a son of James Joseph Kingen II (1898-1923) and Grace Nolan Kingen (1898-1932). He is buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Sleepy Hollow, New York.
Lulow, Roy Verl Jr. - son of Roy Verl Lulow Sr., Tulsa, Oklahoma. A student at University of Oklahoma, he was born May 5, 1932. He was a passenger. He is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Lyons, Sgt. Ned Joseph - husband of Shirley M. Lyons, Kokomo, Indiana/Buried in Sunset Memory Garden, Kokomo, Indiana. Died July 17, 1953. Born August 1, 1930 in Kokomo, Indiana, he was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Lyons. His wife was Shirley M. Downhour Lyons (1930-2002). They were married in 1948. Ned joined the United States Marine Corps on January 17, 1951. His brother was Larry Lyons.
Maggard, Thomas F. - Navy ROTC, son of Mrs. Frank Maggard, Kansas City, Missouri, student at the University of Utah (critical condition). He died July 26, 1953.
Mills, Billy Everette - son of Mrs. Everett Mills, Wayne, Oklahoma. He was a passenger. A student at University of Oklahoma, he was born March 12, 1933. He is buried in Hillside Cemetery, Purcell, Oklahoma.
Munkres, James L. - son of Ray Riley Munkres (1901-1988) and Ethel Butcher Munkes (1905-1991), Enid, Oklahoma. A student at University of Oklahoma, he was born September 30, 1932. He was a passenger. He is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Enid.
Phillips, Ted G. - son of Harold E. Phillips (1908-1972) and Rebecca C. Phillips (1909-1998), Oklahoma City, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. Born July 29, 1929, Ted is buried in Rosemound Cemetery, Medford, Oklahoma.
Prentiss, George Henry Jr. - son of George Henry Prentiss Sr. (1895-1959) and Martha K. Prentiss (1895-1973), Muskogee, Oklahoma. He was a passenger. A student at University of Oklahoma, he was born January 18, 1934. He is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Raibourn, James Paul - son of Claude Raibourn (1895-1987), Sarasota, Florida, student at University of Oklahoma. James' brother was Gerald Robert Raibourn (1935-1994). He was a passenger. James Paul was born June 06, 1933 and is buried in Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Florida.
Rhyne, Robert E. - son of Mrs. Marvel F. (Martha M. Hogan) Rhyne, Fort Smith, Arkansas, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. Marvel Rhyne was born 1897 and died in 1972. Martha Rhyne was born in 1906 and died in 1990.
Richardson, Robert Eugene - son of Howard Eugene Richardson (1908-1977) and Maud Dare Richardson (1914-2013), Brookhaven, Mississippi, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. Robert was born on August 10, 1933 and is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Brookhaven, Mississippi.
Rushing, John Blair - son of Mrs. Mabel Elisabeth Hill Rushing (1911-1999), Chandler, Oklahoma, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. He was survived by his mother and his sister, Mrs. L.P. (JoAnn) Melton Jr. (1929-2006). Born September 1, 1933 in Oklahoma, John is buried in Oak Park Cemetery, Chandler, Oklahoma.
Sabel, MSgt. David L. - husband of Anita Sabel, 535-B Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina/buried in Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, Section P, Site 1734, San Diego, California. Died July 18, 1953.
Schleiff, Richard Wesley - son of Mrs. W. T. Schleiff, Fort Smith, Arkansas, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. Born August 7, 1931, he is buried in Fort Smith National Cemetery, Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Schwaebe, George F. - son of George E. Schwaebe (1903-1982) and Marie H. Thieme Schwaebe (1904-1992), St. Louis, Missouri, student at University of Missouri. He was a passenger. George F. was also survived by his sister Mollyanne Marie (Mrs. William C. Love) (1934-2015).
Scott, Dale E. - NROTC, serious, son of Col. C. D. Scott, East Lansing, Michigan, student at University of Oklahoma (serious condition). He died July 22, 1953.
Sheets, Dennis M. - son of Mrs. Orville V. Sheets, Portland, Oregon, student at University of Oregon. He was a passenger.
Smith, David R. - son of Kathleen Phillips, Blanchard, Oklahoma, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger.
Smith, Gordon Hedley - son of Hedley F. Smith (1898-1977), Tulsa, Oklahoma, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. He was born March 21, 1933 and is buried in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Smith, Lee Wayne - son of Laurence M. Smith, Oklahoma City, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. He was born August 22, 1933 and is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Smith, Lloyd Mozley - son of Myles Frederick Smith (1890-1986) and Grace Drabek Smith (1896-1986), Oklahoma City, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. Born January 29, 1933, Lloyd was the brother of Mrs. Cleta John (Mary Myles Smith) Rogers. He is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Oklahoma City.
Stafford, James Collins Jr. - son of James Collins Stafford Sr. (1909-1964) and Ernestine May Stafford (1912-1996), Oklahoma City, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. He was born February 3, 1933 and is buried in Greenhill Cemetery, Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Starr, Kenneth Ray - son of Eldridge R. Starr, Hobart, Oklahoma, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. He was born in 1931 and is buried in Hobart Rose Cemetery, Hobart.
Stricklin, Darrell E. - son of O. M. Stricklin, Norman, Oklahoma, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. He was born April 12, 1933 and is buried in the IOOF Cemetery, Norman.
Russell, Jerald Robin - son of J. A. Russell, Orland, California, student at Oregon State College. He was a passenger. He was born August 24, 1932 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Tracy, Elwood A. - son of Mr. Charles Harrison Tracy (1915-1997) and Mrs. C.H. Tracy, Klamath Falls, Oregon, student at Oregon State College. He was a passenger. His fiancee was Darlene Gortmaker, who later married Gerald Edward Dwight in 1957. Born in Klamath Falls (Oregon) on July 24, 1932, Elwood Tracy became a scholarship honor student at Klamath Union High School. As a senior majoring in engineering at Oregon State College, he was in the Reserve Officers Training Corp rated as a midshipman. Tracy was taking part in an ROTC summer training course in Florida when he lost his life in the crash of a marine cargo plane. The plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Whiting Field, near Milton, Fla. He was among 41 reservists and crewmen killed in the crash. He was 20 at the time of his death. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Tracy, of Klamath Falls, were informed of their son's death. He was also survived by two brothers, one sister, and his fiancee, Darlene Gortmaker. He was buried with full military honors at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland. [KWE Note: Source - Klamath County, Oregon website]
Wilson, Bowden W. Jr. - son of Bowden W. Wilson, Sr. (1902-1976) and Evelyn Genevieve Conrads Wilson (1899-1976), San Antonio, student at Rice Institute. Born July 12, 1933, Bowden Jr. is buried in Mission Burial Park South, San Antonio, Texas. He was a junior in chemical engineering. He was a passenger.
Wohn, William W. - son of Bill and Francis J. Wohn, Houston, student at Rice Institute. The press described him as "pint-sized basketball guard". He was a passenger. He had been on Lamar High School's 1951 championship team and continued to star at Rice. He planned to make the naval air arm his career.
Wright, Allen L. - Born March 18, 1933, he was the son of Allen P. Wright, Sweetwater, Tennessee. A student at Rice, he was expected to transfer to Georgia Tech at the beginning of his junior year. He was a passenger. That year Rice had an outstanding basketball team that ended the season at play-offs in Madison Square Garden in New York City. He is buried in Lynnhurst Cemetery, Knoxville, Tennessee.
Yoder, Capt. Grady L. - co-pilot, husband of Martha L. Yoder, Havelock, North Carolina/Buried in Grace Lutheran Cemetery, Newton, North Carolina. Died July 18, 1953.
A twin-engine C46 (Registration No. N66534) operated by Resort Airlines was chartered by the United States Army to help in the transfer of 140 soldiers from Camp Kilmer, New Jersey to Ft. Knox, Kentucky on September 28, 1953. The passengers were mostly from Puerto Rico, and many had seen combat duty in Korea. They were being flown to Louisville, Kentucky, for discharge from the Army and then Captain Wharton was to fly them on to Puerto Rico. There were 38 passengers and 3 crew members on this fated flight. There were five planes chartered to fly the 140 veterans to Louisville, and this flight was the second plane to take off that day. The first flight landed safely in Louisville. After the crash of N66534, the other three planes were rerouted to Godman AFB at Ft. Knox.
This C46 nearly touched the ground when trouble developed at Standiford Field, Louisville. The C46 pulled up to about 400 feet, the liner nosed down, and then crashed into a field near Louisville, Kentucky, with a terrific impact. Bodies were scattered as far as 100 feet, and some were decapitated. The plane broke into two parts and both engines burst into flames. It was the first fatal crash at Standiford Field since it opened in 1944. Of the 41 persons onboard, there were originally only 19 survivors. Fourteen of them were taken to St. Joseph's Infirmary; four were taken to General Hospital; and one was sent to St. Anthony's Hospital. In the interim, military police guards stood around the plane and the entire field was closed off to sightseers. Over the next few days the number of survivors dropped to 16. The cause of the accident was mechanical failure. Coverage of this tragedy appeared in LIFE magazine, October 1953.
The Aviation Safety Network stated: "The Curtiss was approaching Louisville Airport (SDF) runway 24 when it ballooned slightly during the flare out. Power was applied and the aircraft entered a steep climb. The angle of attack continued to increase until the aircraft stalled at an altitude of about 300 feet. The plane struck the ground with the nose and left wing, bursting into flames. Probable Cause: "Structural failure of the left elevator in flight, causing loss of control. The structural failure was brought about by the left outboard hinge bolt backing out of the assembly. The underlying cause was improper maintenance which resulted in the installation of hinge bolts and bearings not meeting specifications, and inadequate inspection which failed to detect this condition."
Crew & Passenger List
Crew
Moller, Wharton Emil "Stretch" (fatality) - Captain Moller was a son of the late Virgil E. Moller and Mrs. Gertrude Shaffner Moller (1896-1989) of Texas, and the brother of Mrs. Arthur David (Doris) Sherron and William Elmer "Bill" Moller of Texas City. He was married to Doris Marie "Dee" Pederson in 1942. She was a teacher in a Brownsville school at the time of his death. Captain Moller was a fighter pilot and member of the Masonic organization. The couple had one daughter, Cherie. She is now Mrs. James (Cherie Rash-Carrabba) Bright, of Crockett, Texas. Cherie was six years old at the time of the crash.
Pickel, John DeWitt (fatality) - From San Antonio, Texas, Captain Pickel was a son of Leonard S. Pickel (1875-1961) and Etta R. Pickel (1883-1960). He was born in 1921 and is buried in Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains, New Jersey. His brother, Robert Daniel "Pete" Pickel, returned home from Madrid, Spain to attend Captain Pickel's funeral. John graduated from Plainfield High School in New Jersey in June of 1939. He was awarded a scholarship to Cornell University, where he studied mechanical engineering and later aeronautical engineering. His brother Pete attended Cornell at the same time.
Bush, Dorothy Jean "Sue" (stewardess) - One of the 19 initial survivors of the crash, Miss Bush, age 22 of Miami, Florida (and a DuBois, Pennsylvania native) died the next day. Her leg was nearly severed in the crash. Her parents managed to get to the hospital prior to their daughter's passing, but she never regained consciousness. She was a daughter of Lewis Grant Bush (1900-1965) and Miriam Jeanette Reichert Bush (1902-1972), and the sister of Mrs. Charles Bert (Louise Bush) Davis of Bluefield, West Virginia. Dorothy Jean was known as "Sissy Sue" by her family. A member of the Presbyterian church of DuBois, she graduated from the high school in DuBois in 1949 and went to work for Resort Airlines out of Miami. She was engaged to be married at the time of her death. Sue and her parents are buried in McVille Union Cemetery, McVille, Pennsylvania.
Passengers: [Incomplete list]
Baez, Santos Martinez (injured and taken to St. Joseph Infirmary)
Bonilla, S. Santiago (dead at VA Hospital)
Carmelo, Santiago Flores (dead at St. Joseph Infirmary)
Draves, Dorres (injured at St. Joseph Infirmary)
Francisco, Olivera (dead at St. Joseph Infirmary)
Gonzalez, Victor Manuel Marcial (dead at St. Joseph infirmary)
Irigarry-Pratts, Cpl. Carlos Manuel (dead at General Hospital)
Jordan, Antonio C. Ruiz, 20 (died at General Hospital)
Leandry, Searano, 25 (dead at General Hospital)
Lopez, Herrara Carlos (dead at General Hospital)
Lopez, Juan R. (dead at VA Hospital)
Lopez, Julio Rivera (dead at St. Joseph Infirmary)
Maldonado, Moraleo R. (dead at the VA Hospital)
Martinez, Juan F. (dead at General Hospital)
Nieves, Claudio (dead at General Hospital)
Perez, Domingo (survivor)
Quinomez-Kostyo, Sgt. Marlain, Puerto Rico (fatality)
Quinones, Mariano, 25 (dead at General Hospital)
Raul, Perez Perez (dead at St. Joseph Infirmary)
Rivera, Julian F. (dead at VA Hospital)
Rivera, Justino, 32 (survivor - served 8 months in Korea; Bronze Star recipient - thrown clear)
Rodriguez, Sgt. Angelo, 24 (dead at General Hospital)
Rodriguez, Felipe (dead at St. Joseph Infirmary)
Rodrigues, Ernest (dead at General Hospital)
Rosado, Santiago A., 24 (dead at General Hospital)
Santiago, Guillermo, 22 (survivor - served 6 months in Korea)
The flight was operating between North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Louisville. It departed North Philadelphia Airport at 1303 on a Visual Flight Rules flight plan. The crew consisted of Captain W. E. Moller, First Officer J. D. Pickel, and Stewardess D. J. Bush. At departure the gross weight of the aircraft was 44,940 pounds (allowable 45,300 pounds), with 775 gallons of fuel aboard. Distribution of the load was within prescribed center of gravity limitations. The trip between North Philadelphia and Louisville was normal and in good weather.
In the vicinity of Standiford Airport, the pilot requested landing instructions and was cleared for landing on Runway 24 by the tower. The clearance was acknowledged by the pilot. One of the three controllers on duty observed that the approach appeared normal until the flare-out when the aircraft "ballooned" slightly, power was applied, and about 500 feet farther on entered a steep climb. The aircraft then yawed to the left and climbed with a steadily increasing angle of attack. At this point he noticed that a portion of the left elevator was hanging down and immediately advised the aircraft but received no acknowledgement of his warning. The aircraft continued in a steep climbing left turn until it reached an altitude of about 300 feet, stalled, fell off to the left, and struck the ground on the nose and left wing. The fuselage burst open upon impact.
A number of the occupants were thrown free and emergency equipment immediately took survivors to nearby hospitals. Due to the severity of impact and the extent of damage, there was no organized evacuation by the occupants. Sixteen passengers were injured while 25 others occupants, among them all three crew members, were killed.
The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was structural failure of the left elevator in flight, causing loss of control. This structural failure was brought about by the left outboard hinge bolt backing out of the assembly. The underlying cause was improper maintenance which resulted in the installation of hinge bolts and bearings not meeting specifications, and inadequate inspection which failed to detect this condition. The following findings were reported:
The flight between North Philadelphia and Standiford Airport, Louisville, was routine and in good weather. The aircraft crashed on Standiford Airport when the left elevator failed at No. 2 hinge station. The No. 1 hinge bolt worked free from the hinge fitting and thus resulted in the outboard third of the elevator being unsupported. The four hinge bolts in the left elevator were a non approved type for this installation, as were three of the four interposer ball bearings; the bolts and bearings in the right elevator were approved types. Major maintenance on Resort Airlines' aircraft was performed under contract by Slick Airways. The left and right elevators were removed by Slick Airways' personnel during a No. 3 inspection of N 66534 at San Antonio, July 8-11, 1953. Excessive wear and other deficiencies ware not noted in any inspection by Slick Airways, Airline Services, or the carrier's personnel curing the period between the No. 3 inspection and the day of the accident.
Four Kentucky Air National Guardsmen were cited for heroic efforts to rescue survivors from the wreckage and received the Medal for Valor. They were: Jess D. Brown, Walter Carter, Howard A. Curtis, and Charles W. Simmons. Significance of the Medal for Valor: "The Medal for Valor may be awarded to a member of the Kentucky National Guard who has distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while in the service of the State and/or United States. Additionally, it must have involved personal risk of life or a performance of more than ordinarily hazardous service, the omission of which would not justly subject the person to censure for shortcoming or failure in the performance of duty. No award of the Medal for Valor shall be made except upon clear and uncontested proof of at least one eyewitness or person having personal knowledge of the act or deed."
Recipients & citations:
A/1C Jesse Danielson Brown, Jr. - On 28 September 1953, at Standiford Field, Louisville, Kentucky, A/1C Jesse D. Brown, Jr. (then in a civilian Air Technician capacity as a member of the Alert Crew of the 123rd Fighter Bomber Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard) distinguished himself as follows: At 1617 hours, this date, a civilian resort airline aircraft chartered to the Army, carrying a total of forty-one (41) soldiers and crewmen, most of whom were returning Korean veterans, crashed while landing. There is no fire fighting or crash rescue facilities at Standiford Field and A/1C Brown immediately manned the "155" fire fighting truck of the Air National Guard and rushed to the scene of the crash. The aircraft was burning severely when Airman Brown arrived and despite the imminent possibility of gasoline tank explosion, Airman Brown, without benefit of protective clothing, climbed on the burning wing of the aircraft and subdued the blazing wing and fuselage. Such heroic action undoubtedly saved the lives of at least ten severely injured soldiers who were unable to help themselves. Such actions reflect great credit on A/1C Brown, The Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force.
T/SGT Charles William Simmons - On 28 September 1953, at Standiford Field, Louisville, Kentucky, T/SGT Charles W. Simmons (then in a civilian Air Technician capacity as a member of the Alert Crew of the 123rd Fighter Bomber Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard) distinguished himself as follows: At 1617 hours, this date, a civilian resort airline aircraft chartered to the Army, carrying a total of forty-one (41) soldiers and crewmen, most of whom were returning Korean veterans, crashed while landing. There is no fire fighting or crash rescue facilities at Standiford Field and T/SGT Simmons immediately manned the "155" fire fighting truck of the Air National Guard and rushed to the scene of the crash. The aircraft was burning severely when T/SGT Simmons arrived and despite the imminent possibility of gasoline tank explosion, T/SGT Simmons, without benefit of protective clothing, climbed on the burning wing of the aircraft and subdued the blazing wing and fuselage. Such heroic action undoubtedly saved the lives of at least ten severely injured soldiers who were unable to help themselves. Such actions reflect great credit on T/SGT Simmons, The Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force.
T/SGT Walter Carter - On 28 September 1953, at Standiford Field, Louisville, Kentucky, T/SGT Walter Carter (then in a civilian Air Technician capacity as a member of the Alert Crew of the 123rd Fighter Bomber Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard) distinguished himself as follows: At 1617 hours, this date, a civilian resort airline aircraft chartered to the Army, carrying a total of forty-one (41) soldiers and crewmen, most of whom were returning Korean veterans, crashed while landing. There is no fire fighting or crash rescue facilities at Standiford Field and T/SGT Carter immediately manned the "155" fire fighting truck of the Air National Guard and rushed to the scene of the crash. The aircraft was burning severely when T/SGT Carter arrived and despite the imminent possibility of gasoline tank explosion, T/SGT Carter, without benefit of protective clothing, climbed on the burning wing of the aircraft and subdued the blazing wing and fuselage. Such heroic action undoubtedly saved the lives of at least ten severely injured soldiers who were unable to help themselves. Such actions reflect great credit on T/SGT Carter, The Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force.
T/SGT Howard Arthur Curtis - On 28 September 1953, at Standiford Field, Louisville, Kentucky, T/SGT Howard A. Curtis (then in a civilian Air Technician capacity as a member of the Alert Crew of the 123rd Fighter Bomber Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard) distinguished himself as follows: At 1617 hours, this date, a civilian resort airline aircraft chartered to the Army, carrying a total of forty-one (41) soldiers and crewmen, most of whom were returning Korean veterans, crashed while landing. T/SGT Curtis immediately manned the Air National Guard crash ambulance and rushed to the scene of the crash. The aircraft was burning severely upon his arrival, but despite the imminent possibility of explosion, T/SGT Curtis, without benefit of protective clothing, proceeded to assist in the rescue of injured and dying passengers. His quick action and disregard for personal safety were responsible for the saving of many lives. T/SGT Curtis' courage, initiative and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself, The Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force. [KWE Note: Howard Arthur Curtis died April 17, 1999.]
On November 17, 1953, twelve C-119 aircraft participated in a training exercise with some 1,000 members of the Army's 82nd Airborne. C-119 #51-8163 left Pope Air Force Base in Fayetteville, North Carolina as part of the paratrooper dropping exercise. The aircraft was attached to the 764th Squadron of the 4566th Troop Carrier Wing, Charlestown, South Carolina. While in flight over Holland Drop Zone, this aircraft's engine failed. One account states that, piloted by 1Lt. Leo Burr Clark, the C-119 clipped C-119F #51-8122 (piloted by James A. Rowe) as it dove into the ground and scrub brush. The C-119 was flying at 1,200 feet when it went into the dive. Some 38 paratroopers in the plane jumped after the plane began to fall. Eleven paratroopers were hit by the disabled plane and were killed during the crash, and four crew members and one doctor onboard #51-8163 lost their lives. Some paratroopers who had dropped from planes ahead of the disabled C-119 died in the accident, while others died when suction from the falling aircraft collapsed parachutes. Others died while making 'short jumps' as the pilot of the C-119 tried to veer from the jump zone. The jumpmaster of #51-8163 was Sgt. Jesse Arrington of Newport News, Virginia. He survived. The following list of survivors and fatalities is incomplete.
Survivors (incomplete list)
Arrington, Sgt. Jesse
Sluss, Sfc. Hubert - Bristol, Virginia
Fatalities (paratroopers)
Arbogast, Chester - Chester was born April 26, 1934 in West Virginia, son of Pendleton Arbogast (1911-1967) and Mabel May Morral Hedrick (1915-1993). His half siblings were Clara Mae Arbogast Frantz (1935-2020) and Robert Thomas Arbogast (1937-2013). Chester is buried in Biby Cemetery, Pendleton County, West Virginia.
Baker, Arnold L. - Arnold was born August 24, 1934 and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Greenwood, Indiana.
Glover, George Washington - Born February 22, 1923 in Summerville, South Carolina, he is buried in Arlington Memorial Park, Kearny, New Jersey.
Johnson, Clarence C. - Clarence was born April 17, 1935, the son of Clarence C. Johnson (1904-1968) and Angeline A. Orzechowski Johnson (1909-1956). His sibling was Mrs. Richard (Mable "Jonnie" Johnson) Ingram. Private Johnson is buried in Clayfield Catholic Cemetery, Ellsworth, Wisconsin.
Mallory, Charlie - Information not yet found.
Meister, Adam George Jr. - "George" was born August 06, 1925. He attended Southern Junior College and then Loma Linda University. He met his future wife and nurse, Edwina Smith, at Loma Linda. After he received his doctor's degree the couple moved to Sarasota, Florida, where he was a physician. He entered the Army during the Korean War. George and Edwina had children Joan, Jane, Jeannie, Adam and Bob. Dr. Meister is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Saint Petersburg, Florida. Edwina later married Donald L. West Sr.
Montrose, Leroy Neal - Leroy was born June 28, 1930, a son of William Allen Montrose (1908-1976) and Lorena Carmon Montrose (1909-2002). His wife was Lottie Bramlett Montrose. His siblings were Frances M. (1927-1929), William Allen (born 1928), Mrs. William Norman (Minnie Montrose) Woodson (1941-2019), Ida Montrose Edmonds, Betty Montrose Green, Mickey Montrose, and Brenda Montrose Windham. Leroy is buried in Mount Hope Cemetery, Florence, South Carolina.
Risen, Edward G. - Edward was born on January 30, 1926, a son of Eugene A. Risen (1901-2001) and Grace E. Risen (1908-1992), Oregon City, Oregon. His siblings were Donald E. Risen, Edith E. Risen, Dorothy S. Risen, Carolyn Joy Risen, Charles R. Risen, and Ruth Risen Warmuth. Edward attended Oregon City High School and was a member of Oregon City unit of the Oregon National Guard. H entered the service on January 30, 1953 and had been at Ft. Bragg three months prior to the accident. He is buried in Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon.
Shadof, Kenneth R. - Kenneth was the son of Julius A. Shadof (1883-1969) and the brother of Lydia Elizabeth Shadof Scheelk (1910-1985), Irene Shadof Greene, Ethel Shadof Weber, Delores Shadof Yanke, Grace M. Shadof Erickson (1930-2015), Jerry Shadof, Leonard P. Shadof (1916-1985), Clarence Elmer Shadof (1923-2009, and Walter E. Shadof (1927-2020). Kenneth is buried in Highland Memorial Park, New Berlin, Wisconsin.
Sosa, Ramiro Hernandez - Ramiro was the 17-year old son of Mexico natives Ramiro Hernandez Sosa, Sr. (1908-1974) and Belen Rodriguez Sosa (1908-1995) of El Paso, El Paso Co., Texas. He was born December 01, 1935 in El Paso. His siblings were Belia Rodriguez Sosa (1932-1934) and Eduardo Rodriguez Sosa (1937-1974). Edward entered the U.S. Army on January 23, 1953. He is buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery, El Paso, Texas.
Taylor, Jerry -
Fatalities (C-119 #51-8163)
Clark, Leo Burr - Leo was born April 18, 1927 in Maine, the son of Leo Vincent Clark (1890-1972) and Blanche Emily DeLisle Clark (1896-1981) of Millinocket, Maine. Lieutenant Clark's wife was Elizabeth A. Clark of Charleston Heights, South Carolina.
McCaig, Stanley R. - Stanley was born October 16, 1928 in Yakima County, Washington, the son of Robert Stanley McCaig (1889-1974) and Mary M. Zimmerman McCaig (1889-1985). Stanley is buried in Terrace Heights Memorial Park, Yakima, Washington.
Pace, Richard Gene - Richard was born January 09, 1931 in Buncombe County, North Carolina, the son of Lawrence Justice Pace (1896-1976) and Ethel Stepp Ewell Pace (2905-1962). Lieutenant Pace is buried in Oakdale Cemetery, Hendersonville, North Carolina.
Perrine, Carlton Lee "Corky" - Corky was born August 25, 1931 in Mansfield, Ohio, a son of Johnathon Rose Perrine (1903-1969) and Orpha Miriam Smeltzer Perrine (1902-1986). His siblings were David Ross Perrine (1925-1925) and Mrs. Harold Dean (Dolores Jean Perrine) Detrow (1927-2017). Airman Perrine is buried in Mansfield Cemetery, Mansfield, Ohio.
Singleton, Daniel G. - Daniel was born August 07, 1932 in Avalon, Missouri, a son of Stanley F. Singleton (1908-1985) and Frances Figg Singleton (1915-2014). His siblings were Stanley Dale Singleton (1931-1998) and Grace Singleton Thompson. Daniel is buried in Avolon Cemetery, Avalon, Missouri.
This F-89 crashed into a marshy area near Lake Wingra. It went into a muddy area as it was attempting to avoid hitting a Canadian airliner that was 30 miles off its course. The Truax plane was a member of the 433rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron. There were two fatalities.
Fatalities
Collins, Capt. Glen Moore Jr. - Captain Collins was the radar observer on this F-89. He was the son of Glen Moore Collins Sr. (1904-1955) and Helen Louise Huffman Ross (1904-1990). Captain Collins was married to Lilly Margaret Newman Collins (later Shea) (1922-1997) and they had two daughters, Glenda and Vicki Collins. There is a marker for Glen M. Collins in Memorial Park Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Schmidt, 1Lt. John William - Lieutenant Schmidt was the pilot of the plane. A native of Del Rio, Texas, he was born May 09, 1925. This World War II veteran has a marker in Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, Houston, Texas.
An F-89 jet disappeared on a flight over Lake Superior on this date. Radar indicated that the jet crashed into something. No trace of the pilots or jet was ever found. The cenotaph for pilot Gene Moncla states: "Disappeared November 23, 1953 intercepting an UFO over Canadian Border as pilot of a Northrup F-89 jet plane."
Fatalities
Moncla, 1Lt. Felix Eugene "Gene" Jr. - Born October 21, 1926 in Mansura, Louisiana, Felix was the son of Felix Eugene Moncla Sr. (1894-1957) and Marie Yvonne Beridon Moncla (1900-1961). He was married to Bobbie Jean Coleman (later Nabors) (1929-2013) in 1951. They were parents of children Sharon Yvonne Moncla (later Matthews) and David Carl Moncla. Gene's sisters were Mrs. Leo (Leonie Moncla) Shannon and Muriel Ann Moncla (1925-2002). Gene was a 1943 graduate of Moreauville High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern Louisiana Institute. In July 1952 he was assigned to Truax Field, Madison, Wisconsin.
Wilson, Lt. Robert L. - Robert was born November 16, 1931, the son of Renne Otto Wilson (1900-1969) of Ponca City, Oklahoma, and Leonara R. Davis Wilson (1900-1969). His sister was Madelyn Wilson (1924-1997). Robert was not married. He was a graduate of Ponca City High School and then attended Northern Oklahoma Junior College at Tonkawa and the University of Oklahoma. There is a memorial marker for him in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Ponca City.
VJ1 Squadron at Naval Air Station Agana sent out one of their six PB4Y-2S's to track Typhoon Doris. PB44-2S #59716 disappeared without a trace while penetrating the eye wall of the typhoon. The crew of nine was lost.
Fatalities
Barnett, AL1 Fredrick Raymond - Fredrick was born September 26, 1925 in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of Clarence Alonzo Barnett (1904-1968) and Ida Frances McNall Barnett. His full and half siblings included Howard F. Barnett, Robert Barnett, George Barnett, Donald Alonzo Barnett (1928-1974) and Janice Lorraine Barnett Cook (later Mrs. Edward G. Moeller 1934-2015). The KWE has not confirmed the names of all of Fredrick's siblings. There is a memorial stone in his honor in Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery, Kokomo, Indiana.
Clark, AD1 J.N. - No information yet found.
Marsden, Lt. Stephen Bryant (co-pilot) - Stephen was born November 16, 1924 in Lykens, Pennsylvania, a son of Alfred W. Marsden (1894-1932) and Isabell R. Ritchie Marsden (Berry) (1893-1957). He was married to Billie M. Bennett (1928-1968). His brother was Wesley Alfred "Al" Marsden (1917-1992) and half sibling Mrs. Mike (Barbara Lee Berry) Elisoff (1927-1972). He is listed as Lost at Sea.
Myer, AD3 Edwin Lloyd - Edwin was born February 12, 1933 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Forest Edwin "Buck" Myer (1907-1987) and Amelia Mary Suppes Myer (1909-2000). His siblings were Donald Forest Myer (1930-2005) and Mrs. Robert Neil (Marian Elaine Myer) Simmons Sr. (1931-2010) and his half siblings were Patricia Ann Myer Conner (1940-2015) and Richard Glenn Myer (1946-2003). He was listed as Lost at Sea.
Newhall, CDR James William - James was born February 13, 1914 in Johannesburg, South Africa. He entered active service via the pre-war Aviation Cadet program and was commissioned a Navy officer after World War II. James is listed as Lost at Sea.
Stephens, AL2 Norman Jan - Norman was born August 12, 1930, a son of Leon Isadore Stephens (1905-1999) and Okie Earl Massey Stephens (1905-1968). His siblings were Mrs. Edgar W. (Betty Lee Stephens) Brown (1927-2013) and Donald Leon Stephens (1933-2022). There is a memorial marker for Norman in Evans Landing Presbyterian Cemetery, Evans Landing, Indiana.
Stott, AO3 Arthur J. Jr. - Arthur was born April of 1930. There is a marker for him at Laurel Hill Memorial Park, Cle Elum, Washington.
Troescher, LTJG Fred - Fred was born May 16, 1927, the son of Fred Z. Troescher (1898-1986) and Gladys Mae Rioddle Troescher (1901-1994). A graduate of Navy Academy Class of 1949, he was married to Carolin Colby (later Carolin Janzen) (1926-2015) in 1950 and they had sons Scott Troescher and David Troescher. Fred is listed as Lost at Sea.
Zimmerman, LTCD Donald Jr. - Donald was born June 16, 1918 in Flint, Michigan, the son of Donald S. Zimmerman Sr. (1893-1970) and Getrude Farwell Zimmerman (1896-1990). His siblings were Opal Zimmerman Batson Splitt (1915-1975) and Carol Jean Zimmerman Herington (1919-2014). Donald is listed as Lost at Sea.
[KWE Note: The following introductory information was found on the Aviation Safety Net website.]
B-29 #44-87741 left Andersen AFB, Yigo, Guam at 06:05 local time on December 17, 1953. The heavy bomber was on its way back to Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, via Kwajalein Island. Shortly after takeoff, the engine number two failed. The crew was able to shut it down, and feathered the propeller. On final approach to runway 07R, after passing through the last cloud layer, the pilot-in-command decided to make a go around and following a circuit before starting a second approach few minutes later. While struggling to land the second time, he turned the B-29 into the feathered propeller at too steep of an angle, with the landing gear down, and flaps retracted which caused the bomber to lose lift and control. The aircraft banked 80 degrees to the left, and crashed in a near vertical position onto several houses located short of the runway. Among the 16 occupants, all four crew members and five passengers were killed, and seven others were injured. On the ground, ten people were killed, among them six children, and two entire families. It is still (as of 2017) the worst ever accident (in terms of fatalities) to have happened at Guam's Andersen AFB. For further information on this horrific plane crash, search "60th Anniversary of the Worst Peacetime Accident at Andersen", located on the Andersen AFB website.
Christopher, 1Lt. Dominic Joseph (navigator) - Dominic was on his way home to spend Christmas with his family when the B-29 crashed during stormy weather. Lieutenant Christopher was born in Long Bank, New Jersey on May 26, 1924. He lived most of his life in Red Bank, New Jersey. He was a son of Rocco Christopher (1891-1963) and Catherine Ziporo Christopher (1900-1976). His wife was Helga Christopher, whom he met and married in Germany. Their children were Eileen, Kathryn and Stephen Michael Christopher. Dominic's siblings were Mrs. Michael Nannine, Mrs. Charles Twigg, Miss Marion Christopher, Miss Rosemarie Christopher, Miss Anne Christopher, Miss Josephine Christopher, Rocco Christopher (1925-1965), Sam A. Christopher and Colio Christopher.
Dominic Christopher was a 1942 graduate of Red Bank High School, where he was an outstanding basketball and football player. He entered the Army Air Corps on February 14, 1943 and trained at Selman Field, Louisiana. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in May of 1944. During World War II he went on 13 bombing missions over Germany. In 1945 his plane was struck by German flak and his plane crashed in Swiss neutral territory. He was discharged in October of 1945 and became a salesman for Campbell Soup Company. He reenlisted in July 1950 for four years and took part in the Berlin airlift. For the second time he experienced being in a plane crash--this time in Newfoundland, but he was uninjured. 1Lieutenant Christopher is buried in Mount Olilvet Cemetery, Middletown, New Jersey.
DeBoer, 1Lt. Howard Leo (bombardier) - Lieutenant DeBoer was born January 30, 1922 in Nebraska, a son of Lester L. DeBoer (1895-1962) and Agnes F. McGowan DeBoer (1893-1946). His brother was Francis Lyle "Bus" DeBoer (1917-1989). Lieutenant DeBoer was the recipient of the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. He served in the Army Air Corps in World War II. Howard is buried in Saint Josephs Cemetery, York, Nebraska.
Larsen, 1Lt. Sophus Edwin "Eddie" (co-pilot) - Lieutenant Larsen was born September 21, 1923 in Nebraska, a son of Sophus Johannes Edward Larsen (1885-1959) and Ida E. Brown Larsen (1886-1987). His siblings were Marian R., Robert W., Ruby M. and Gladys Elvera Larsen (1921-1994). A World War II veteran, Lieutenant Larsen is buried in Lincoln Memorial Park, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Leard, T/Sgt. Frederick Alvin "Fred" - Sergeant Leard was born May 29, 1923, a son of Mr. and Mrs. D.F. Leard of Magill, Oklahoma. He married Leta Ferne Brown on February 28, 1944. They were parents of Robert Grant Leard (1944-2015), Ernest Lee Learde, and Michael Franklin Leardd (1951-1992). Leta Leard Shulick was born in 1924 and died in 2006. Fred entered the Army Air Corps on December 15, 1941 and became an ordained Baptist minister in April of 1953. His siblings were Madie Bell Thomas and Howard Lee Leard. Fred Leard is buried inWoodberry Forest Cemetery, Madill, Oklahoma.
Murray, A2C Francis Leroy "Buzz" - Airman Murray was born December 16, 1933, a son of Frederick Matthew "Fred" Murray (1892-1971) and Bessie E. Reeter Murray (1896-1960). His siblings were Wayne F. Murray (1915-2003), Leo E. Murray Sr. (1919-2003), Mrs. Bill (Kathryn Loretta Murray) Roth (1928-2019), James C. Murray (1931-2002) and Mrs. Harold (Margaret Murray) Pieper. Airman Murray is buried in Mother of Dolors Cemetery, Vandalia, Illinois.
Oetgen, 1Lt. Henry Glenn Jr. (pilot) - LIeutenant Oetgen was born July 03, 1916 in Savannah, Georgia, a son of H. Glenn Oetgen Sr. (1881-1952) and Helen McCormick Oetgen. A graduate of Benedictine Military School and World War II veteran, his siblings were William John Oetgen Sr. (1915-1969), Rev. John Anthony Oetgen, Lt. John Oetgen (1921-1944/killed in a mid-air collision of two Army fighter planes), Sister Mary Bonaventure, R.S.M., and Sister Mary Pauline. Lieutenant Oetgen's wife was Dorotht Upshur Oetgen (1911-1994). He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Pickrell, S/Sgt. Homer A. Jr. (gunner) - Sergeant Pickrell was born in 1930 in Scotia, California, the son of Homer A. Pickrell Sr. (1893-1965) and Merle Drewry Pickrell (1899-1988). He was the husband of Joyce M. Pickrell and the brother of Mrs. Robert (Meldarene Pickrell) Begley. Sergeant Pickrell was the recipient of the Soldiers Medal because he risked his life to save the life of another plane occupant. Sergeant Pickrell is buried in Tulocay Cemetery, Napa, California.
Reilly, T/Sgt. John Miles (flight engineer) - Sergeant Reilly, a World War II Navy veteran, was born October 09, 1923. He was the husband of Arlene Isabell Osborn Reilly (1924-2012). Sergeant Reilly is buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, California.
Wagner, A3C Donald Joseph (passenger) - Airman Wagner was born May 21, 1931 in Iowa, a son of Florian Matthew Wagner (1890-1959) and Esther M. Koppes Wagner (1895-1959). His siblings were Dorothy Mae Wagner Tracz (1922-2006), Floyd Robert Wagner (1923-1953), Clarence Calvin "Cal" Wagner (1925-2011), Paul Edwin Wagner (1926-2011), Betty Jane Wagner Siegwarth (1928-1970), Rosemary O. Wagner Hudson (1928-2015), Madonna Ann "Donna" Wagner O'Brien (1930-2018), James Edward Wgner (1934-2003), and Gerald Thomas Wagner (1936-2004). Airman Wagner is buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West, Iowa.
Passenger Survivors:
Backman, A1C William J.
Duran, A2C Roberto
Graham, A2C Nelson H.
Jensen, A2C Robert L.
Newby, A2C Walter R.
Patton, 1Lt. Jack
VanDoren, A1C Donald C.
Fatalities on the Ground:
Kimball, Bonnie Ruth (age 11) - Born in 1942 in Colorado, Bonnie was the daughter of Capt. Stanley Jerome Kimball (1921-2011) and Ruth Estelle Wilson Kimball (1921-2020). Captain Kimball was the base weather officer with the 54th Weather Squadron. Bonnie's sister was Lynn J. Kimball. Bonnie is buried in Fairview Cemeter, LaJunta, Colorado.
Mills, Agnes (wife of Lt. Col. Benjamin L. Mills) - Mrs. Mills was born August 13, 1921 in Johnston County, North Carolina, a daughter of William Benjamin "Bennie" Stevens (1883-1958) and Emma Spicer Jinnette Stevens (1891-1967). Her siblings were William Clarence Stevens (1911-1957), Ruby Gertrude Stevens Hopkins (1915-2001) and Lloyd Benjamin Stevens (1924-2009). She was the mother of Margaret Elaine, Helen Louise, and Martha Emma Mills.
Mills, Lt. Col. Benjamin Lloyd - Colonel Mills was the 3rd Aviation Field Depot Squadron commander. He was born May 27, 1918 in Coeburn, Virginia, the son of John Benjamin Floyd Mills (1893-1958) and Dovie Easterling Mills (1890-1920). He was married to Agnes Stevens and they were parents of Margaret Elaine, Helen Louise, and Martha Emma Mills. The Mills family is buried in Wayne Memorial Park, Dudley, North Carolina.
Mills, Helen Louise (age 5) (daughter of Benjamin and Agnes Mills) - Helen was born March 23, 1948.
Mills, Margaret Elaine (age 9) (daughter of Benjamin and Agnes Mills) - Margaret was born August 23, 1944.
Mills, Martha Emma (age 2) (daughter of Benjamin and Agnes) - Martha was born October 07, 1951.
Orken, Maj. Gerald Aarnold - Major Orken was the medical officer and commander of the 6319th Dispensary. He was born December 10, 1922, the son of Heyman Louis Orken (1899-1960) and Jeanette Brener Orken (1898-1983). A graduate of Vanderbilt University Medical School, he married Shirley F. Kaplan in July 1947. Their children were Stephen Alan and Vivian Lynn Orken. The family was asleep in the officer's housing section of Andersen AFB when the B-29 crashed into it. The Orken family is buried in Jewish Cemetery, Monroe, Louisiana.
Orken, Shirley (wife of Major Gerald Orken) - Shirley was born in Monroe, Louisiana on October 03, 1928, a daughter of David Mayer Kaplan (1899-1970) and Clara C. Snyder Kaplan (1905-1980). Her sister was Mrs. Louis (Charlene Kaplan) Smith. Shirley and Gerald were parents of Vivian Lynn and Stephen Alan Orken.
Orken, Stephen Alan (age 3) (son of Gerald and Shirley Orken) - Stephen was born July 02, 1950 in Mesa, Arizona.
Orken, Vivian Lynn (age 5) (daughter of Gerald and Shirley Orken) - Vivian was born July 15, 1948 in Bad Nauheim, Germany.
Skytrain #17179 was brought in on the Search and Rescue effort to locate a PB4Y that disappeared on December 13, 1953. The R-4D-8 aircraft disappeared on December 20 with ten crewmen aboard. The wreckage was later discovered six days later inside Agrihan Island's volcano crater. It had hit the slope of the crater 800 feet up from the crater floor on the southeast side of the volcano. A detail of Marines climbed into the crater, where the underbrush was so thick it had to be cut with machetes in order to reach the wreckage. There were no survivors and the condition of the found bodies was in such bad shape that the crash victims were buried inside the crater.
Fatalities
Anderlini, Douglas Anthony (airman) - Douglas was born October 25, 1930, a son of Joseph Louis Anderlini (1904-1999) and Ruby Lavern Carter Andelini (1907-1988). Douglas was married at the time of his death. He also had a sister, Joan Anderlini. There is a memorial stone for Douglas A. Anderlini in Resurrection Cemetery, Affton, Missouri.
Burks, Hollis Mitchell (parachute rigger 1c) - Hollis was born August 12, 1924, a son of Clarence Mitchell "Heavy" Burks (1903-1980) and Minnie Irene Throneberry Burks (1903-1981). He was married to Vera Belle Dunham Burks (later Miller) (1931-1979). They were parents of Charlotte Diane Burks (later Mrs. Albert Tackett 1951-2018), Barbara Burks and Byron Burks. His siblings were Lelund Burks (1922-1923) and Harold Cecil Burks (1926-1927). There is a memorial stone for Hollis M. Burks in Maple Hill Cemetery, Huntsville, Alabama.
Carpenter, Marion Leon (aviation machinistsmate 3c)- Marion was born April 27, 1931, a son of Rufus Gordon Carpenter Sr. (1905-1977) and Lula Gertrude Strutt Carpenter (1912-1967). His siblings were Rufus Carpenter Jr. (1929-1929), Charles Donald "Don" Carpenter (1933-2015), Henry Louis Carpenter (1937-1997), and Mrs. Cecil (Linda Marlene Carpenter Splawn) Carver (1943-1999). There is a memorial stone for Marion L. Carpenter in Bessemer City Memorial Cemetery, Bessemer, North Carolina.
Geis, Edward Frank (aviation electronicsman 2c) - Edward was born September 07, 1930 in Alameda County, California, the son of John Edward Geis (1903-1987) and Elsie Ina Worthy Geis (1909-1999). There is a memorial stone in his honor in Dos Palos Cemetery, Dos Palos, California.
Hall, Billie Edward (aviation machinistsmate 3c)- Billie was born November 30, 1929, a son of Everett Stanton Hall (1901-1997) and Oma Lee Reed Hall (1910-2001). His siblings were Richard Eugene Hall (1931-2005) and David Carroll Hall. Billy graduated from McLean High School in Texas and then attended college at Texas Tech and the University of Arizona before joining the Navy on August 30, 1950. There is a memorial stone to him in Hillcrest Cemetery, McLean, Texas.
Jenkins, William Boykin (aviation machinistsmate 1c) - William was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Jenkins of Atlanta.
Lillie, Thomas Theodore (chief aviation electronicsman) - Thomas was the son of Ernest Lillie (1889-1978) and Blanche Lillie (1883-1939). The Lillies were from El Reno, Oklahoma.
Schmitz, Kenneth John (chief aviation electronicsmate) - Kenneth was born October 16, 1918 in Albany, New York, the son of Mary Helen Schmitz of San Diego. His wife was Billie Louise Schmitz and they were parents of two children. Kenneth graduated from Hoover High School and enlisted in the Navy in June of 1938, serving in World War II. There is a memorial stone in his honor in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California.
Walsh, Lt. Milton Kay - Milton was born January 20, 1923 in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Edward L. Walsh (1882-1952) and Bertha Louise Kiewiett Walsh (1880-1959). He married Betty Florence Kerr on November 25, 1944 in Kansas City, Missouri. They were parents of a daughter, Peggy Jean Walsh (Hunter) (1948-2004). Milton attended Southwest High School and Junior College before enlisting in the Navy during World War II. His sister was Mrs. E. Albert Aisenstadt.
Worden, LTCD Donald Doris - Donald was born September 17, 1921 in Missouri, a son of William Ralph Worden (1891-1970) and Grace Pearl Christy Worden (1891-1994). His siblings were Lorin Christy Worden (1914-1994) and Mrs. Marshall Riley (Marjorie Bernice Worden) Crosswhite (1917-2010. Donald was married at the time of the plane crash. He was the recipient of the Navy Cross in World War II. There is a memorial to Donald D. Worden in Stewartsville Cemetery, Stewartsville, Missouri.