US Navy Bale-Out 11th September 1929 Mystery Aircraft
 

I was wondering if anyone could put an aircraft and serial number to the following bale out

In US on 11th September 1929 at Camp Kearney mesa, near San Diego, California Chief Aviation Pilot William Theron Wolley baled out of an aircraft that was on fire.

In have the following description of the incident

"After unsuccessfully trying to extinguish the flames by side-slipping, Wolley found himself at only 400 or 500 feet above the ground. Thinking this too low to attempt the usual free fall jump. He stood up in the seat of the cockpit and pulled the rip cord ring. The parachute opened immediately, jerking Wolley from the flaming plane and carrying him safely to the ground. "


Many Thanks

Paul

Re: US Navy Bale-Out 11th September 1929 Mystery Aircraft
 

The aircraft was F4B-1, A8144, of VF2B. Wolley was practicing dive bombing at Rosedale Field, Linda Vista, when he noticed flames in the cockpit. The cause is given as fuel tank failure.

Re: US Navy Bale-Out 11th September 1929 Mystery Aircraft
 

George

As always many many thanks

Paul