World War II Database

1.  David Stubblebine says:
4 Nov 2016 01:33:49 PM

Note the Independence-class Light Carrier in the foreground. The aircraft that struck the Randolph was actually an F-5E (s/n 44-24559), the photo reconnaissance variant of the P-38 Lighting, with the 8th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, 9th Photo Wing, 6th Photo Group, 5th Air Force on a ferry flight. The pilot and 14 sailors were killed with 11 injured. 10 Navy planes were destroyed (6 F6F and 4 TBM). The accident was officially described as taking place during a mock strafing run on the Randolph but some accounts suggest the pilot was buzzing the ship for the benefit of his brother who was part of the crew. The plane slid out of a turn and lost lift, causing the crash. The P-38 smashed into the flight deck and skipped off into the water. The pilot was never recovered and was officially listed as “Missing” for a long time. Some rumors also describe this as the pilot’s last scheduled flight before rotating home (unverified).

2. jbc says:
28 Jan 2018 10:00:25 AM

my uncle. mw smith was a hellcat pilot on the randolph and told me about this incident. he said the p38 was in the middle of a roll and hit the deck upside down. as an aside he is quoted in james bradley's book flyboys