 VP-84 Mishap
1940's
MISHAPs: 12 APR 42 A/C: PBY-5A  LOCATION: LIVERMORE VALLEY, CA - STRIKE: YES - DEATHS: 07 / 01 SURVIVOR - BUNO: 7266 - CAUSE: HIT GROUND IN LOW CEILING Contributed by Ragnar J. Ragnarsson ragsie@centrum.is [06JUL98]
 "...Transfer 1st Division of VP-84 from NAS Alameda, California to NAS Norfolk, Virginia. Crashed into side of mountain and burned. Lt.Cmdr.Morris had rendesvoused his section after take-off from Nas Alameda,Ca.,in area south of San Mateo Bridge and was proceeding from Oakland to Modesto,Ca., with his section. He led his section under the overcast which completely coverd the hills east of Livermore and reaching the point where the overcast covered the hills he continued flight in the same direction, but the wing planes turned left in order to avoid a mid-air collision or insufficient altitude in instrument weather conditions. The airplane struck about 60-ft below the top of a hill at approx.2000-ft altitude. Pilot LCDR Loren A. Morris/Killed, ENS Ezetic P. Lauzun/Killed, RM1 Charles J. Herriott/Killed, ACM Robert W. Hastings/Killed, RM3 Algie Belcher/Killed, and ACM E. P. Patrick/Minor Injury..." Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [19JUN2001]
MISHAPs: 12 APR 42 A/C: PBY-5A LOCATION: LIVERMORE VALLEY, CA - STRIKE: YES - DEATHS: 08 - BUNO: 7269 - CAUSE: HIT GROUND IN LOW CEILING Contributed by Ragnar J. Ragnarsson ragsie@centrum.is [06JUL98]
"...Transfer 1st Division of VP-84 from NAS Alameda, California to NAS Norfolk, Virginia. Crashed into side of mountain and burned. Probable cause for striking mountain, flying in overcast. 7mi.East of Livermore, Ca. Plane was proceeding from Oakland to Modesto, Ca.at excess cruising speed in order to catch up with 1st Section. He lead his section under the overcast when reaching a point where the overcast started to cover the hills, he continued flight in same direction under instrument conditions, but the wing planes of his section turned left and right respectively to avoid collision and the hills east of Livermore. The right wing of his plane struck a telephone pole and the ground at the same time, when both pilots were on instruments. Crew & pass killed. Pilot Lt. Frank S. Fernald, Lt. Edward F. Denney, AMM2 James M. Wagner, AMM1 Samuel K. Conant, AMM2 Henry T. Morgan, AMM2 Roscoe E. Rambo, ARM1 Robert A. Frank, and ACM Oelif P. Flynt..." Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [19JUN2001]
MISHAPs: 03 SEP 42 A/C: PBM-2  Location: Unknown Strike: Yes BUNO: 1251 Cause: Convoy coverage;Oil pressure lite on port engine, emergency single engine forced landing, sank. Pilot.Lt(jg) J.C. Lafferty and 12/Minor inj from expouser and burns. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [Updated 17OCT2003 | 29OCT2000]
Aircraft Accident Card #43-4796
Aircraft: PBM-1 BUNO: 1251
Squadron VP-84
Date: 3 Sep 42 (2200)
Location: 36-34N 074-26W
Type: Convoy coverage
Everything functioned normally until flight engineer noticed a total loss of oil pressure on port engine and cylinder head temperature about 230C and rising. Single engine operation was commenced at 1000-ft, airspeed 110 knots. Plane began to lose altitude about 400-ft per min. Bombs were released and bomb-bay door closed after which speed of plane increased slightly and rate of decent approached zero. There was not sufficient tome to dump fuel. All preparations for landing was made. Plane first touched water and pilot thought to be normal and safely accomplished, so pilot cut starboard engine. Plane plowed into a swell and bounced into the air. Impact sheared off right hand pilots seat, third bounce and last bounce is described by all survivors as a terrible jolt. Plane sank in about 5mins. Attention is directed to fact one engine was unable to keep plane in flight, weight 45,000lbs.
Crew:
Pilot LT(jg) J. C. Lafferty, USN (exposure)
ENS P. A. M. Griber (exposure)
ENS S. King (minor lacerations)
AP1 A. Whitman (lacerations, abrasions)
ARM3 L. F. Dougherty (sever burns, exposure)
J. D. Pyle (lacerations)
ARM3 F. Thierer (small contusion, burns)
AMM3 R. L. Bernier (exposure)
ARM2 L. S. Edelstein (exposure)
AOM3 D. E. Bounty (1st degree burns)
AMM3 C. E. Milliken (lacerations, cellulites)
AMM3 J. Metrick (exposure)
AMM3 F. W. Smith (burns, exposure)
MISHAPs: 27 DEC 42 A/C: PBY-5A Location: Anti-submarine sweep near NAS Keflavik, Iceland Strike: Yes Deaths: 08 BUNO: 04402 84-P-5 Cause: CRASHED INTO GROUND AFTER ENTERING SNOW SQUALL. Contributed by Ragnar J. Ragnarsson ragsie@centrum.is [02JUL98]
"...Approximately fifteen minutes after take-off for anti-submarine sweep; he flew into a heavy snow storm and immediately thereafter crashed. Take-off and crash occurred during total night conditions, but there was a brilliant moonlight. Evidence indicates that the pilot encountered violent turbulence and while trying to fly clear of the storm on instruments, lost altitude until he crashed. Upon being asked before take-off what he intended to do about a snow squall which was plainly visible from the airdrome in the direction of his flight. Lt.Luce replied. "I will fly through it" Crew killed: Pilot Lt. Harvery H. Luce (PPC), Lt(jg). Donald A. Helms (2nd Pilot), Ens. Glenn S. Nelson (navigator), AP1c. Wilfred A. Burri (3rd pilot), Amm1c. Willard P. Kantz, Rm1c. Chester A. Eichelberger, Amm3c. James L. Bryan, Rm3c. Brack W. Goode, and Amm3c. William G. Hammond..." Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [Updated 08JUL2001 | Updated 23DEC2000]
MISHAPs: 13 JAN 43 A/C: PBY-5A Location: REYKJAVIK AIRFIELD, ICELAND Strike: Yes Deaths: 00 BUNO: 7302 Cause: CRASHED ON RUNWAY SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. REDUCED TO SPARES. Contributed by Ragnar J. Ragnarsson ragsie@centrum.is [02JUL98]
"...Crashed on take-off shortly after becoming airborne causing extensive damage to hull and left wing. Unable to affect necessary repairs this base even for flying back to United States for Major overhaul. Request permission to strike this plane from Navy list, stripping all salvageable material for urgently needed spares and ship hull and wing to the United States via ship for salvage. Damage:"Strike" No injury to personnel...." Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [09JUL2001]
MISHAPs: 10 APR 43 A/C: PBY-5A Location: Fleet Air Base, Iceland Strike: No BUNO: 2467 Cause: Engines cut out intermittently immediately after take-off. Pilot returned to field and evidently misjudged altitude and did now lower wheel until to late for both wheels to lower and lock. Starboard wheel was only one to come down and lock. Landing was made normal and as plane lost speed it slowly dropped down on port side. Icing was cause of engines to cut out. Damage: Keel worn down from position 6-ft forward of #1 step. keel crushed upward for about 2-in, bottom on either side of keel crushed upward slightly for about 3-ft outboard of keel and stringers on both sides of keel, port wing tip float slightly crushed. Crew Ok: Pilot Lt Elbert V. Cain, AV-N USNR, Lt(jg) E. T. Allen, AV-N USNR, Ens J. Thigen, AV-N USNR, ACMM S. E. Morris (AA), USN, AMM2c C. C. Greenfield, USN, ARM1c R. L. Ross, USN, ARM3c W. P. Merce V-6, USNR, AOM2c J. E. Tarver, USN, and AOM2c G. P. Fotsch, USN. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [06DEC2002]
MISHAPs: 11 JUN 43 A/C: PBY-5A LOCATION: North Atlantic Strike: Yes BUNO: 7273 TYPE: Lost while attempting to rescue the crew of an RAF Fortress SRIKE: Yes DEATHS: 08 / 01 Survivor BUNO: Unknown CAUSE: Unknown Contributed by Normand Pelletier jrich@cape-fear.net [01JAN98]
"...I’m wanting to share this Photo with you. My Uncle Lionel Pelletier was the surviving crewman of a downed PBY in the North Atlantic near Iceland. His story is mentioned by my late father Normand who was also VP Navy in WW2. Please feel free to share..." Contributed by capnnorm@yahoo.com [14OCT2020]
"...Crashed during an attempted landing to rescue RAF personnel. All crew members in two life rafts died of exposure, except for Lionel Pelletier, RM1c, who was rescued by USS SYMBOL 0250 Jun 17. At bout 1810 plane landed to effect rescue and stove in bow and sank in 15 minutes. Wind force at 15 knots, direction 100deg, swells moderate. All nine members abandoned plane in two life rafts. Pellitier and body of Chaney, were recovered at 0250 17 Jun by USS SYMBOL. Other crew members disposed of during five day period. RAF dinghy and rafts seperated in a gale on 12 Jun. RAF personnel recovered by RAF PBY-5 on 13 Jun. Visibility 3 to 5 miles, zero ceiling to 1000-ft in area until 16 Jun when weather cleared. Surface craft not used in search as both planes crashed in a minefield. Crew: Pilot. Lt(jg). Douglas S. Viera/Killed, Ens. Phillip A. Bodinet/Killed, Lt(jg). Frank Kleinbrink/Killed, Acmm. Fred A. Cernek/Killed, Amm1c. Luther W. Provow/Killed, Rm1c. Lionel F. Petteteir, Jr/Serious inj(expouser), Rm2c. James E. Peoples/Killed, Rm3c. Charles H. Baker/Killed, and Aom3c. Oscar A. Chaney/Killed..." Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [Updated 20JUL2001 | 23DEC2000]
MISHAPs: 11 JUN 43 A/C: PBY-5A Location: AT SEA, POS. 6320N, 1030W Strike: Yes Deaths: 08/1 Survivor BUNO: 7273 Cause: CRASHED ON LANDING TO RESCUE CREW OF RAF FORTRESS. Contributed by Ragnar J. Ragnarsson ragsie@centrum.is [02JUL98]
MISHAPs: 28 NOV 43 A/C: PBY-5A LOCATION: NAS BEAUFORT, NC - STRIKE: YES - DEATHS: 06 / 04 SURVIVORS - CAUSE: UNKNOWN, CRASHED SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF Contributed by Ragnar J. Ragnarsson ragsie@centrum.is [06JUL98]
"...Anyone that knew my father LT Joe Beach can contact me by E-Mail. He flew with VP-84 a PBY-5A #2459. He was killed in a plane crash at NAS Beaufort, South Carolina, SC on 28 November 1943 Bureau # 7261...Joseph Beach Peters jskj@midwest.net..." [02OCT2002]
"...Plane took-off on runway #32 and turned right, wheels reported up and locked, then suddenly hit ground on right wing tip, heading about 150deg in a flat approach angle and approximately 25 to 40% bank. Right outer wing panel sheared off, then the top of the hull hit the propellers, both sheared off, and the plane skidded and bounced for about 100yds, losing outer wing panel, the bow back to the bulkhead 3, three depth charges, and both motors before stopping. Remainder of plane burned to the extent that nothing could be recognized. Four survivors, including mechanic in tower, do not know what happened as everything seemed normal until plane struck. Carburetors found full of gasoline. Ignition switch found on. Radio altimeter turned on, no other evidence could be found. Survivors say engines did not stop in air. From Administrative Report: Deeley was in flight engineer's seat in the tower being checked out for take-off's, the plane Capt was standing on the ladder beside him to instruct him. The dome light in the tower was burnt out and they were using a flashlight to read the instruments. Everything was normal so the plane Capt took the flashlight to check the side wheel locks. He called up to Deeley and told him to report wheels up and locked, but did not return the flashlight. While he was out of the tower, the plane crashed. Deeley states he did not touch any controls. Merck, the only experienced member of the aircrew to survive was in the radio compartment. he remembers the take-off and nothing else except that the engines were running when the plane crashed; Investigation disclosed that the plane turned right after take-off either to head directly toward the mission or avoid smoke.Plane struck heading east in a flat approach with the right wing down at a very sharp angle. Strike Crew: Pilot: Lt. Joseph F. Beach A-V(N) USNR/Killed, Lt(jg). Albert M. Slingluff AV(N) USNR/Killed, Amm2c. James G. Margiotis USNR/Killed, Amm3c. Arthur Mecalfe USN/Killed, Lt(jg). Jacob C. Phares A-V(N) USNR/Killed, Rm3c. William B. Turner USNR/Killed, Rm2c. William Pinkley Merck USNR/Seriously inj, Aom3c. Robert Lewis Livellara USN/Minor Inj, and Amm3c. Ferdinand Francis Deeley USNR/Minor inj. William E.Thompson USMC/Minor inj..." Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [Updated 02AUG2001 | 23DEC2000]
MISHAPs: 17 NOV 43 A/C: PBY-5A Location: Ferry flight - Myrtle Beach, SC Strike: No BUNO: 08037 Cause: During ferry flight, pilot noticed smoke and oil coming from port engine, 45mins after take-off. A deferred forced-landing was made at AAB Myrtle Beach,SC. Inspection of port engine showed #3 cylinder studs broken off. The nuts from the remaining three stud bolts were missing. Damage: Airplane None - Engine: Major overhaul. Crew and passengers Ok. Pilot LCDR P. C. Staley, USN, C-P Ens F. Dahl, USN, Lt(jg) de Stolinski, USNR, Lt(jg) J. Tigpen, USNR, Ens J. R. Crammer, USNR, Lt(jg) A. F. Lewis, USNR, AMM1c W. C. Owens, USN, AMM1c D. L. Bronson, USN, ACOM H. F. Wyman (PA), USN, ARM1c G. E. Vifguain, USNR, and ARM2c W. A. Rhodes, USN. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [08JAN2003]
MISHAPs: 04 MAY 45 A/C: PBY-5A Location: CA, MT. TAM Strike: Yes BUNO: 48416 Cause: 3.75mi. NW, ALCATRAZ ISL, HIT HILLSIDE AT 850', FLT COURSE 170deg Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [17MAR98]
"...Out of the crew of 11, only 2 survived. The survivors were: Harold R. Dole and Henri C. Tondreault. Those killed were: Robert Moment, Norman W. White, John L. Hart, Carlton C. Trull Jr., Frank P. Zappacosta, William T. Ford, Johnnie S. Owens, Frank H. Spofford Jr. and Leo B. Ibelli..." WebSite: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ [12NOV2008]
  Mishap Accident Report WebSite: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/
"...Anti-sub patrol; Instrument take-off in bad weather, hit hillside at 850' level on Angels Isl, NE of Alcatraz Isl. Pilot.Lt(jg). R. Moment/Killed, Lt.Cmdr. N. W. White/Killed, Lt(jg). J. L. Hart/Killed, Ens. C. C. Truii, Jr/Killed, Arm1c. F. P. Zappacosta/Killed, Arm2c. W. T. Ford/Killed, Arm3c. J. S. Owens/Killed, Ammf1c. L. J. Ideili/Killed, and 2/seriously inj..." Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [23DEC2000]
DEATHS: 09 / 02 SURVIVORS - CAUSE: HIT GROUND IN IFR CONDITIONS SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF Contributed by Ragnar J. Ragnarsson ragsie@centrum.is [06JUL98]
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