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Registration
or Serial: JT461 (Code 7C)
Operator:
RNAS; (1841 Naval
Air Squadron).
Operating Base:
RNAS Hatson
(X6HT).
Also
Base for
RN; HMS Sparrowhawk.
Base
Location:
Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland
Current Airport Status:
Closed 1957. Some parts still remain. Road
intersects site, part of which has now been converted for industrial
use.
(Principal airport data courtesy of
John Woodside,
A
Catalogue of UK Airfields)
Aircraft Type & Background
The Vought F4U Corsair was designed by Sikorsky and Beisel for use
as a US carrier fighter. First types were equipped with a 2000hp
Pratt and Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engine, and could achieve
speeds in excess of 400mph.
Initially rejected by the US Navy, the Corsair was accepted into
service by the US Marine Corps (USMC).
In 1943, Britain accepted the Corsair into service for use as a
carrier-borne fighter with the Fleet Air Arm (FAA). It was found to
be a highly manoeuvrable fighter, capable of out-turning most other
contemporary aircraft.
Among other types, Corsairs were used to attack the German
battleship, Tirpitz during 'Operation Mascot'.
Aircraft Accident Details
At the time of the accident, the aircraft had
been flying from RNAS Hatson close to Kirkwall on Orkney to the
aircraft-carrier,
HMS Formidable. However,
shortly after take-off, contact was lost with the aircraft which
failed to arrive at its destination. The causes of this aircraft
crash are unknown.
The wrecked aircraft was located eventually near Enegars Corrie,
North of the Cuilags on the Isle of Hoy.
The pilot who died in this accident was:
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