STATE OF MAINE MILITARY AIRCRAFT CRASH LIST 1919 - 1989 |
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The list linked below is a chronological list of all military aircraft accidents known to have occurred in Maine, from my personal database. The list includes only incidents that can be confirmed by reliable sources. Numerous "crash rumors" that I have in my research lists are excluded. I have also excluded all forced/emergency landings where there was no damage to the aircraft or injuries/fatalities. Several ground mishaps have been included because they resulted in destruction of an aircraft or injuries/fatalities and represent the history of, and hazards faced by those who maintain and handle aircraft on the ground. There are many "unknowns" that still exist and those will be slowly filled in over time. CREDITS and SOURCES The list is based on my own research of local newspapers, military accident reports, and military unit histories, combined with the parallel, but separate efforts of the late Jim Chichetto. Jim and I have both relied on information and clues from numerous other researchers and historians over the years: The late Leo Boyle "grandfather of Maine aviation history"- especially his research on early aviation in Maine and pre-WWII crashes. Larry Webster, the "guru" of New England aviation archaeology, who worked extensively to catalogue his and Jim Chichetto's information and has added extensive information about U.S. Navy and Royal Navy incidents over the years. John James, Public Relations Officer at Brunswick Naval Air Station, who provided lists of known Royal Navy incidents. Chris Charland, numerous RCAF/RAF incidents forwarded to me from his research. Jim Cougle, who provided information on RAF/RCAF, and RCN incidents in Maine. Brian Linder, for numerous leads. Rob Rohr, who has done research on USN and Royal Navy mishaps. Craig Fuller and his AAIR web site, which contains a list of many pre-1955 USAAF/USAFincidents gleaned from military crash reports. Joe Baugher's web page, which contains lists of military aircraft serial numbers and aircraft disposition. Nevins A. Frankel who's VP Navy web site contains a list and some details of U.S. Navy patrol squadron mishaps. Bill Walker, and his web site listing Canadian military aircraft serial numbers and histories. David McLaren who shared his research details on numerous F-84 and F-80 mishaps. The U.S. Air Force Historical Research Agency, and the U.S. Air Force Safety Center. Local Newspaper Archives: Bangor Daily News, Bangor Daily Commerical, Portland Press Herald, Houlton Pioneer Times, Presque Isle Star Herald, Millinocket Journal, Thunderjet/Tanker Times/Downeaster (Dow AFB), Limelite (Loring AFB), Rumford Falls Times, Lewiston Sun Journal, Calais Advertiser. USAF Rescue Coordination Center wreckage locator lists from 1963 to present. |
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NOTES TO THE LIST | |||||||||
DATE- Some incidents are listed by other researchers as happening on different dates. I have verified the date from military records for most incidents. TOWN- This is the location of the actual accident, not necessarily the impact point of the wreckage. In some cases I have listed a nearby populated town instead of an unorganized township. LOCATION- A brief description only. TYPE- The designation given to the aircraft model by the military organization using it. Note that the USAF changed the older USAAF designation of P for "pursuit" to F for "fighter" in 1947, thus P-47N and F-47N are the same type aircraft. SERIAL/Bu No.- The USAAF/USAF serial number or USN bureau number. Tail numbers have been used for some British Commonwealth aircraft. SERVICE- USAAS = U. S. Army Air Service, became the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1926 USAAC= U.S. Army Air Corps, became the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1941 USAAF= U.S. Army Air Forces, became the U.S. Air Force in 1947 USAF= U.S. Air Force CAP= Civil Air Patrol USN= U.S. Navy RAF= Royal Air Force RCAF= Royal Canadian Air Force RN= Royal Navy (Fleet Air Arm) RCN= Royal Canadian Navy MEANG= Maine Air National Guard NHANG= New Hampshire Air National Guard MAANG= Massachusets Air National Guard NDANG= North Dakota Air National Guard VTANG= Vermont Air National Guard ME ArNG= Maine Army National Guard Base/Unit- That the aircraft was assigned to at the time of the crash. NOTE: The method of assigning transient aircraft to Europe during WW II changed several times throughout the war. Bangor Army Air Field became Dow Army Air Field in 1942, Dow Air Force Base in 1947 and Bangor International Airport in 1969. Limestone Air Force Base became Loring Air Force Base in 1954. NAF= Naval Air Field, later NAS for Naval Air Station NAAF= Naval Auxillary Air Field Damage- Each service had its own number or letter system for assessing damage after an accident and these changed over the years. For simplicity, I have used a single word to summarize damage. I have the "Catagory" information on mst mishaps if your research requires it. Minor- Damage repairable by unit and returned to service Moderate- Damage repaired by unit or contractor, aircraft out of service but later flew Serious- Usually transported by ground to manufacturer for repair Destroyed- Damaged beyond economical repair and "written off" or "struck" Missing- Wreckage not located |
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