US Marine Collision 30-08-1931 at Cleveland Ohio
 

During a demonstration of flight of nine Curtiss F7C Seahawk aircraft from Fighter Squadron 9-M at Quantico at the 2nd day of the National Races in Cleveland of 30-08-1931

The two marine planes, piloted by Lt Lawson Harry McPherson 'Sandy' Sanderson (Commanding Officer) and Lt William Oscar Brice collided at 1,550 feet. It appears Brice torn the wing of Sanderson 's plane.

Both crew, parachuted and survived. Brice's aircraft landed on a School building and Sanderson in open land and both me went onto have very distinguished careers. Brice even ended up with a CBE

I believe the aircraft involved were Curtiss F7C Seahawk's A7655 and A7663. Which are listed as being lost online as in "Virginia" on this date

I would like confirmation if possible and if the pilot can be matched to the plane I would appreciate it.

Note: My List of US Caterpillar Club members has the date as 31-08-1931 but I am happy this is in error as it is reported in newspapers on 31st August 1931 as on the 'second day of national races' which were August 29th to September 7th that year

Many Thanks

Paul McMillan

Re: US Marine Collision 30-08-1931 at Cleveland Ohio
 

The collision happened when the aircraft met on converging courses at the bottom of a loop. The date is given as 30 August, with Brice in 7663 and Sanderson in 7655

Re: US Marine Collision 30-08-1931 at Cleveland Ohio
 

George

Thanks for that and confirming A7655 and A7663.

Kind Regards


Paul

Re: US Marine Collision 30-08-1931 at Cleveland Ohio
 

Paul,

A picture of one the crashed planes here: http://images.ulib.csuohio.edu/cdm/r.../press/id/7380

Regards,

Leendert