R4D-5 # 17234 Collision with L-5 42-99165 - 15 Jan 1945

[Leendert]

I refer to https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/...james-mcknight and https://navy.togetherweserved.com/us...rson&ID=651671

They descibe the collision on 15 Jan 145 between a USN R4D-5 (VR-13) and a USAAF L-5 (42-99165), with 21 USN men killed.

I wonder what became of the L-5, pilot or other occupants? No immediate results for serial on the usual websites. BAAA website also in the dark.

Info welcome, thanks.

Regards,

Leendert

[R Leonard]

From VR-13 War Diary for January 1945:

“15 Jan 1945
Routine scheduled operations. R4D aircraft, Bureau Number 17234, plane commander Lieut Birdwell “J” McKnight, USNR, crashed at Tacloban Airstrip, Leyte, P.I. Crew of 3 officers and 2 enlisted personnel, plus 16 passengers, killed instantly. Board of investigation ordered by ComFleet AirWingTEN. Apparent cause of accident result of small training aircraft crashing into the tail surface of aircraft, Bureau Number 17234. List of crew members and passengers killed is attached hereto as Appendix (C).”

Appendix (C) reads:

“CREW
Lieutenant Birdwell “J” McKNIGHT, S(A1), USNR (98309) - Plane Commander
Lieutenant Donald W. HUEGEL, (A1)L, USNR (121480) – Co-Pilot
Lieutenant George A. DANNER A-V(S), USNR (210182) – Navigator
James R. REYNOLDS, Sp(V)3c, USNR (896 57 67) – Orderly
Hugh G. BALLENTINE, ARM1c, USNR, (662 51 62) – Radioman

“PASSENGERS
Lieutenant Commander C. H. MATTSON – 245536
Lieutenant Commander G. W. PEASE – 84642
Lieutenant E. J. DETMER –
Lieutenant Winfield V. SCOTT, Jr., S(A), USNR – 199555
Ensign M. L. NAYLOR – 325691
Ensign N. J. ROCCAFORTE – 350662
G. M. PANGALOS, PhM1c – 7060999
F. HOLD, SK1c – 3713347
A.D. NONSLEY, PhM2c – 8725647
O. F. BLIZZARD, PhM2c – 8329602
J. B. HAYDEN, PhM2c – 8726837
H. E. DICKINSON, PhM3c – 7265117
J. C. RAINES, PhM3c – 3128674
W. E. SEELING, PhM3c – 7109468
S. D. STROUL, PhM3c – 8233002
M. M. KING, ARM3c – 8372586”

No mention of the pilot or any passengers in the other plane. A little sleuthing yielded more for LT DETMER: DETMER, Edward J, DV(G), USNR (126666). And LCDR MATTSON was MATTSON, Carl H, MCV(S), USNR; LCDR PEASE was PEASE, George W, IV(S), USNR; ENS ROCCAFORTE was ROCCAFORTE, Nicholas J, A1, USNR, a VT-18 pilot. I did not have anything on ENS NAYLOR until I figured out that he was actually NAYLON, Maurice L Jr, ENS, A1 USNR, out of VF-31.

Best I can do.

Rich

[Leendert]

It appears that both 159th and 160th Liaison Squadrons with L-5s were still on Leyte at time of accident. 157th LS had just departed.

Will look further to see if anything can be found there.



Regards,


Leendert

[twocee]

The pilot of the L-5 was SSgt. C. Vinson and the collision took place as the R4D was at about 500' on climb-out from Tacloban. The fin of the R4D was torn off.

[Leendert]

George,

Thanks for this helpful info. I now read his full name was Charles Vinson.

At first glance not found back in casualty listings, so may have survived.

Accident reported in Hearings Before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, United States Senate, Eightieth Congress, First Session, on S. 3, a Bill to Provide for the Training of Air-traffic Control-tower Operators; S. 4, a Bill Authorizing the Advanced Training in Aeronautics of Technical Personnel of the Civil Aeronautics Administration; and S. 269, a Bill to Create an Independent Air Safety Board. January 28, 29, 30, February 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 1947 ...

Regards,


Leendert

[R Leonard]

Good shot, George!