Crash of a Bell YFM-1A Airacuda in Dewey: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jan 22, 1942
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
38-497
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Chanute - Keesler
Location:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
En route from Chanute AFB to Keesler AFB, the crew encountered technical problems and abandoned the airplane that crashed in an open field in Dewey, bursting into flames. The copilot was found uninjured while the pilot was killed after his parachute failed to open.
Crew (10th ABS):
1st Lt James Otis Read, pilot.
Probable cause:
An hydraulic broke out in flight, then a fire erupted.