Vintage F-4U Corsair Crashes At Airshow

Self | 11/10/02 | Self

[Robe]

I just came back from a Airshow at Owens Field in Columbia SC.

I had the sickening experience of witnessing the fatal crash of a veteran pilot and an historical aircraft.

Shortly after taking off and joining in the formation flyby circuit of the airfield the F4U Corsair began smoking, the pilot made a 90* right turn at the midfield point then a left turn in a apparent attempt to return to the runway. The aircraft disappeared behind tall trees and a moment later a thick black smoke column rose into the sky.

A rescue helo broke off a repelling demo to respond to the site. The aircraft had crashed into a tall stand of trees and was totally consumed in the resulting fire.

The name of the pilot is being withheld pending notification of family.

I had been talking to the veteran pilot just 15 minuets prior to his death, it was a devastating experience. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. He was honoring W.W.II vets and gave his like so others won’t forget their sacrifices. GOD bless all the airman whom risk their lives at these airshows to keep history alive for generations to come

Robe

[tubebender]

A fellow businessman flew the Corsair in WW11. He died about 3 years ago and his widow is a good friend of my wife (church). She is going to ask her if he flew off carriers or from the islands of the Pacific. A friend of my son is going to get his memorabilla and he deserves it as he has lived next door since childhood and these folks have no children.

[tubebender]

BTW Robe, I have a diecast model of the Corsair that I received shortly after the War. It has fold up wheels but the wings are stationary and is in excellent condition.

[cmsgop]

I am so sorry, That Man was a Patriot.......

[WarHawk42]

I believe this same aircraft had been at the Tico air shows in Titusville Florida.  I'm sure I have pictures of this plane that I had taken there.

Losing another fine pilot and a piece of our air history saddens me.

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

This was the final scheduled show of the season. Very sad.

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

Thanks for the link to this pilot's webpage. If you click into the merchandise section, an address is listed. I am going to send his family a card, and hope others will do the same. I believe it will mean a lot to them, to know the far reaches of this man's dedication to our country, to flying, and to our veterans.

Terribly saddened...

http://www.koreanwarhero.com/