Whidbey Island NAS (Ault Field)

For unknown reasons, the aircraft landed hard at Whidbey Island NAS and was considered as damaged beyond repair. There were no casualties.

While conducting a Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization check the pilot at controls was allowed to perform his first attempt at shooting an obstacle approach at Whidbey Island NAS. This maneuver was inadequately briefed by the pilot in command during the mission brief. The pilot in command, having great confidence in the pilot at controls, allowed him to conduct this maneuver without prior demonstration. After pushing over for the approach an excessive sink rate developed. Upon determination that the approach was getting dangerous, power was applied and the nose pulled up. Due to the combination of slow approach speed, late and in inadequate power application, the excessive sink rate was not arrested, resulting in a hard landing followed by failure of the starboard wing.

Crashed in unknown circumstances, apparently on approach to Whidbey Island NAS, maybe another airport in the region of Seattle. Crew fate remains unknown.

Crashed in unknown circumstances in the region of Whidbey Island NAS. Crew fate remains unknown.

The crew was completing a transpacific flight from Sangley Point AFB to Whidbey Island with probable en route stops in Japan and Alaska (Elmendorf or Ladd AAF). While in cruising altitude, the airplane struck the slope of Mt Fairweather located approximately 123 miles northwest of Juneau. As the aircraft failed to arrive at Whidbey Island NAS, SAR operations were conducted but eventually suspended few days later as no trace of the aircraft nor the 14 crew members was found. In 1982, the wreckage was found in an isolated area.

The crew was involved in a local training mission at Whidbey Island NAS when a bomb attached under the right wing exploded in mid-air. The right wing detached and the aircraft crashed into the sea off the NAS. All nine crew members were killed.

At liftoff, while in initial climb, the airplane went out of control and crashed in flames. A crew member was seriously injured while nine other occupants were killed. The tower saw the fire prior to takeoff and tried to warn the pilot, but apparently the plane left the ground at about the time of the warning and it was too late.
Crew (VAH123):
Lt William F. Wade, pilot, †
Lt Eldwin J. Bruner, copilot, †
Lt Hilton L. Cutter Jr., †
Ens Carl D. Johnson, †
Ens Vernon L. Garner, †
A2c John D. McMillan, †
Ocm Joseph E. Foltz, †
A3c Harry A. Hartwell, †
Asm George F. Robertson, †
At2 Gerlando P. Ilardi.

While cruising at an altitude of 5,000 feet, the crew encountered poor weather conditions. In low visibility, the aircraft registered 59937 (VP-9) hit the slope of the Black Peak and disintegrated on impact. SAR operations were conducted but eventually suspended few days later as no trace of the aircraft nor the crew was found. The wreckage was spotted and localized in July 1953. All 10 occupants have been killed and the aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire. The airplane was on its way from NAS Alameda to NAS Whidbey Island, carrying two Navy Officers and a crew of eight.
Crew:
Lt Leland R. Stegemerten, pilot,
Lt David Jarvis, copilot,
Adc C. C. Longacre,
At1 T. W. Huffman,
Ao3 J. A. Kerrigan,
Ao3 J. L. McDonnell,
Ad3 H. L. Ziemba,
Adan T. J. Whited.
Passengers:
Cpt Julian David Greer,
Lt O. C. Everhart.

The crew was completing a local training sortie from NAS Whidbey Island. On final approach to runway 25, the aircraft went out of control and crashed into the Skagit Bay, about five miles east of the airfield. Five crew members were killed while five others were injured.

The crew was performing a local training sortie from NAS Whidbey Island. While cruising at an altitude of 4,000 feet, the aircraft went into a dive and crashed into the Saratoga Passage, near the Puget Sound. All seven crew members were killed. Aircraft was registered 59840 (VP-931).