USS Cabot (CVL-28) Flight Deck Incident

Pilot’s approach and landing were satisfactory.

As tail hook engaged arresting wire, the flight deck pitched downward. Aircraft became airborne on the wire and veered to the right, colliding with the ship’s smoke stack.

Weather Conditions:
Surface wind: 25 knots - steady
Air temperature: 30°
Sky: overcast at 1500’ with snow showers

Location: Hamilton Inlet, Labrador (Lat. 54° N)

Operation: Provide air support to a UNMC unit engaged in evaluation of equipment and tactics in cold weather environment.

VF-32 - Crash of F4U-4    Pilot   ENS G. J. Mischke - VF-32 aboard USS Cabot (CVL-28)          (photograph from Bill Koenig)        October 23, 1952     (#1)

VF-32 - Crash of F4U-4    Pilot   ENS G. J. Mischke - VF-32 aboard USS Cabot (CVL-28)              (photograph from Bill Koenig)    October 23, 1952    (#2)

VF-32 - Crash of F4U-4    Pilot   ENS G. J. Mischke - VF-32 aboard USS Cabot (CVL-28)              (photograph from Bill Koenig)    October 23, 1952    (#3)

VF-32 - Crash of F4U-4    Pilot   ENS G. J. Mischke - VF-32 aboard USS Cabot (CVL-28)            (photograph from Bill Koenig)  October 23, 1952    (#4)

VF-32 - Crash of F4U-4    Pilot   ENS G. J. Mischke - VF-32 aboard USS Cabot (CVL-28)      (photograph from Bill Koenig)    October 23, 1952    (#5)