Fatalities
- Cook, ADF1 Edward Buford
- Gariel, ADE1 Robert
- Marovish, Lt. James Herbert
- McCord, Lt. Walder L.
- Overton, Aviation Electronics Man Airman Robert Edward - 2nd
Radar
- Pridgen, Aviation Ordnanceman First Class Utility Coley Grey
- Ricotta, Aviation Electronics Technician Second Class Thomas
- Spund, Lt. Allen - co-pilot
- Still, Petty Officer 1st Class William Raymond
Accident Report
ACCIDENT:
Aircraft was scheduled for a Tactical Reconnaissance flight on
morning of the 27th out of RAAF Base at Iwakuni. Pilot filed an IFR
tactical flight clearance in accordance with local AACS regulations.
Two days prior to this date, subject aircraft had flown a tactical
mission of nine hours duration on which no trouble of mechanical
nature was encountered. Plane Captain's report to maintenance Chief
after landing, was that aircraft was in a "up" status. In later
afternoon of the 26th aircraft was turned up, checked out and
reported to be operationally ready. Weather cover was VFR. Pilot
taxied to take-off area at 0324 local time.
Board assumes he checked aircraft in accordance with PB4Y-2
pre-take-off procedures. ATC cleared pilot to climb out VFR to
6000-ft, to maintain 6000-ft, proceed via airway Green to Fukuoka
Control when airborne. Aircraft was airborne at 0344k. Pilot
contacted tower for permission to leave tower frequency approx 3
minutes following take-off. This is as reported by tower operator.
At a time later established to be approximately 0347K; a fire and
explosion was seen on Atada Shima.
This island bears 035 degrees 5miles from tower. Air Sea Rescue,
Hospital, and Base Operations were notified at once. Air-Sea Rescue
personnel were at scene of disaster at 0455K. They reported no
survivors. Aircraft struck NW corner of Island at an altitude of
approx 175 feet. Its course was determines to be 230seg. From
reconstruction of estimated flight path, pilot must have been in a
right hard turn in an attempt to miss higher peaks of island to his
left, his right wing struck the ground first. Plane cart-wheeled and
exploded.
Wreckage and personnel were strewn forward for a distance of approx
200 yards. This area included point of impact up to ridge over and
down the other side. Fire and explosion was so great that it was
impossible to reconstruct or determine mechanical failure or cause
of accident. Main aircraft parts identifiable were wing, panel and
engines. No part of fuselage could be found. Explosion of two depth
charges are thought to have cause complete disintegration.
ANALYSIS:
In as much as there are no survivors and no positive reports of
material failure. Factor causing accident con only be left to
conjecture. It is known that PPC was a cautious, sober, experienced
and competent pilot. Why he was at extremely low altitude three
minutes following take-off is unknown. His request to be cleared
from tower frequency indicated he believed operations were normal.
Under existing similar weather conditions and always under IFC
conditions most pilots make a take-off to the south. This is the
outstanding criticism Board has of pilot procedure. Board feels
certain that mechanical difficulties were encountered, but has no
proof of same.
CONCLUSION and RECOMMENDATION:
Board is of opinion that primary cause of accident is unknown.
This conclusion is based upon lack of evidence to prove positive
material failure, mechanical failure or pilot failure. Board
recommends that obstacle lights be placed upon Atada Shima. There
are no lights of any kind to be seen at night.
Bios of Fatalities
Cook, Edward Buford
Born March 25, 1917 in San Bernardino County, California, he
was a son of Robert "Roy" Cook (1882-1918) and Caddie Barker
Cook (1883-1966). His wife was Winona Cook. He was
the brother of Roy Barker Cook (19012-1984). Edward is
buried in Hillside Memorial Park, Redlands, California.
Gariel, Robert
Born on May 27, 1923 in San Antonio, Texas, Robert was a son
of Edward F. Gariel (1891-1980) and Antonia Guzman Gariel
(1898-1991). His brother was Edward Antonio Gariel
(1920-1949). Robert is buried in Iwakuni-Shi, Yamaguchi,
Japan.
Marovish, James H.
Born April 15, 1916, James was the husband of Jane Vickers
Marovish (1920-1997) and the son of Herbert and Narcis Marovish.
James and Jane are buried in San Gabriel Cemetery, San Gabriel,
California.
McCord, Lt. Walder L.
Born August 14, 1920, Lieutenant McCord was the son of Walder
L. McCord (1895-1986) and Ruth E. McCord (1898-1966).
Walder Jr. is buried in Olivewood Cemetery, Riverside,
California.
Overton, Robert Edward
Born January 08, 1927 in California, Robert was the son of
Fred Stryker Overton (1892-1966) and Mildred Shenneman Overton
(1893-1977). He is buried in San Gabriel Cemetery, San
Gabriel, California.
Pridgen, Coley Grey
Born April 5, 1925 in Wilmington, North Carolina, son of Cole
Gray Pridgen (1902-1934) and Florence Mae Allender Loftin Gray
(1908-1986). He is buried in Wilmington National Cemetery,
Wilmington, North Carolina.
Ricotta, Thomas
Born January 27, 1927 in Buffalo, New York, Thomas was the
son of John Ricotta (1888-1962) and Antonia Ricotta (1893-1984).
He is buried in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cheektowaga, New York.
Spund, Allen
Allen was born in 1917 and is buried in Mount Hebron
Cemetery, Flushing, New York. He was the son of Rev.
Gershon Spund, New York, New York.
Still, William Raymond
Born September 23, 1922 in Beaumont, Texas, he was the son of
William Ray Still (1888-1936) and Daisy May Swilley Still
(1898-1989). William's widow was Doris Mae Still
(1925-1995). He is buried in Rose Hills Memorial Park,
Whittier, California.
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