US aircraft histories
 

Hi,

Can anyone tell me if there are the equivilant of British movemant cards for American aircraft?

I'd like to track down the histories of F11C-1/BFC-2 BuNo's 9265-9282 and 9331-9340 and BF2C-1 BuNo's 9586-9612.

Any help appreciated.

Alex

Re: US aircraft histories
 

Alex,

You may find this link useful: http://www.nasm.si.edu/research/arch.../achistory.cfm

and this address in particular for USN aircraft:


United States Navy
Naval Aviation History Office
Building 157-1
Washington Navy Yard
901 M St, SE
Washington, DC 20374-5060


Regards,

Leendert

Re: US aircraft histories
 

Hi Leendert,

Thanks again for your help. I've sent an email to see what they have.

Alex

Re: US aircraft histories
 

Hi Leendert,

Just a quick note to say I received the Aircraft History Cards I was looking for from the Smithsonian today. Thanks again for your help.

Alex

Re: US aircraft histories
 

Alex

So enquiring minds want to know.. What do the cards say about "BF2C-1 BuNo 9293 is simply crashed at sea Sep 11, 1935, pilot killed." or was than not in your list

Thanks

Paul

Re: US aircraft histories
 

Hi Paul,

The US aircraft history cards are similar to the UK ones. They include the aircraft type, number (in this case 9593 and not 9293, typo on my part), contract number and engine model. It then lists the various units the aircraft was assigned to. Also included is a trouble report. This covers crashes/accidents and brief details of the damage caused.

These aircraft suffered a number of accidents but no mention is made of any pilot names. All it says for the 9593 crash is;

9-12-35 VB-5B Crashed to complete destruction in the sea. Engine #1178. Strike both.

Remember the US put the month first. I think I would need to find an actual accident (MACR?) report to get the full details of the accident. I'll see if the Smithsonian has them and how much they cost.

I received the history cards for 27 aircraft, although one aircraft was missing. It came to 45 pages and I was charged $27 including postage to Scotland, which is no too bad. From making my original enquiry on 27th Sept to receiving the info hasn't taken that long.

Alex

Re: US aircraft histories
 

Found it! Walter Dennison Leach. Jr..


9-12-35 VB-5B Crashed to complete destruction in the sea. Engine #1178. Strike both.

Looks like it happened on Wednesday 11th Sept

Chicago Tribune - ProQuest Archiver - Printed Sep 12, 1935


"Walter Denison Leach, 33, was reported killed today when the navy plane he was piloting plunged into the ocean 19 miles northwest of La Jolla"

Walter Dennison Leach. Jr.. UVS.. died September 11. 1035, rear La Jol.1 CAL

NAVY FLYER DIES IN SEA OFF COAST

Los Angeles Times - ProQuest Archiver - Sep 12, 1935
'nto the ocean nineteen miles northwest of La Jolla, accord- ing to reports. Leach was attached to Squadron VB5B on the U.S.S. Lexington.


Walter D. Leach. 33 years of age. killed Wednesday when his plane plunged into the ocean off La Jolla. Navy planes continued to search for his body today. ...

Re: US aircraft histories
 

Hi Paul,

Excellent stuff. Many thanks for taking the time to track down the details.

Alex