On May 12, 1953, a pilotless target drone plane went out of
control, crashed into a catwalk on the USS Wright CVL-49, and
exploded. Three servicemen were killed and four were injured.
The USS Wright was on a training cruise en route to the Gulf
of Mexico when the accident happened. The 14,500 ton aircraft
carrier was 300 miles off Key West, Florida at the time. The
drone plane had been hit by anti-aircraft fire at 1500 feet and
again at 600 feet, causing it to go out of control. The
carrier's catwalk ended along the sides of the flight deck.
Fatalities:
- Anderson, Seaman Apprentice Herman Lee
He was the son of Mrs. Eva Lee Anderson, West Virginia.
- Johnston, Hospital Corpsman 2C Orval Dewayne
Born November 28, 1927 in Jay County, Indiana, he was the husband
of Mrs. Shirley E. Johnston, Maryus, Virginia. He is buried in
Union Baptist Church Cemetery, Achilles, Virginia.
- McNeal, Stewardsman Robert Leslie Jr.
He was the son of Mrs. Louella McNeal, Smithfield, Virginia.
Casualties - Wounded:
|
