Clint Eastwood AD-1Q accident report October 1951 ...

[Mark Allen M]

Looks like plently of room in there ... Interesting to know the history of Lt Anderson and whether he would later know who he ditched with.


Chicago-Sun reporter Linda Beech pictured ready for a flight in an AD Skyraider of Composite Squadron (VC) 35 on the flight deck of the carrier Essex (CV 9) Feb 1952 (NMNA archives)


Chicago-Sun reporter Linda Beech pictured ready for a flight in an AD Skyraider of Composite Squadron (VC) 35 on the flight deck of the carrier Essex (CV 9) Feb 1952 (NMNA archives)


AD-1Q of Composite Squadron Thirty-Five (VC-35) (NMNA archives)


AD-1Q, blue, of Composite Squadron Thirty-Five (VC-35) (NMNA archives)

[Mark Allen M]

And a few more AD-1Q's


AD-1Q of Composite Squadron Thirty-Three (VC-33) on the ground at Naval Air Station (NAS) Atlantic City. (NMNA archives)


AD-1Q with window dispenser. (NMNA archives)


AD-1Q on the ground with wings up. (NMNA archives)

[Mark Allen M]

Anderson, Francis C. Lt 01-28-1953 Returning from North Korea - Lost at sea

http://www.vc-35andvaaw-35.org/combat_losses.html

[Jim MacDonald]

Your welcome, Mark. After reading the comment on the left side of the last page of the report, I'm surprised that Anderson stayed with the squadron. I figured that he was given the boot.

Mac

[Mark Allen M]

Yes that is interesting Jim. Thanks again. I'd now be interested to see the accident / incident report on what happened to Anderson in 1953.

M

[over/out]

It goes to say, afterwards, Mr Eastwood was "Feeling Lucky" Get it....sorry.. could'nt help myself.. ( I'm such a punk) forget I said that...at least did'nt say "make......

[Adam Kline]

I don't understand how it was a Q model. I know the report states a Q model, but Q's are just reinforced H models and are a single seat model. No room for Eastwood. More understandable would have been a AD-5 twin seat model. The report mentions that Anderson was checked out in a Q model, but my suspicion is the person writing the report got it wrong. They were flying a model -5 or an N model. The report did indicate that Anderson would have been really inept at night flying, a mission the plane was designed for--thus an N model.

[Mark Allen M]

I know the report states a Q model, but Q's are just reinforced H models and are a single seat model.

Aren't those Q's I posted above? Single seat yes, but there IS room in that door compartment behind is there not? Look at the photos of the woman. That's a single seat Q isn't it? You can clearly see a canopy. The report also states they left the Seattle area at 1238 under IFR conditions, they ditched before sunset according to Eastwood's account. Anderson may have been inept at night flying but he wasn't flying at night in this case. Sounds like he was more inept at IFR flying.

[Adam Kline]

Yes the AD1Q was a two seater. One pilot and below a radar operator/radioman. The report kept mentioning the other pilot and gave me the impression he was in the plane as well and not the lead a/c. My mistake. The N models (night attack) were usually AD3N and much later AD4. They held a crew of three. Korean war era would have made the AD1Q very representative of what was state side. I find it interesting that the report lectures on the use and function of equipment and procedures for ditching. It could have simple cut to the chase. He messed up.

[Jim MacDonald]

Sorry I can't help you with the '53 accident report, Mark. I only have reports up to Jun 52. I looked on Fold3 & they don't have any combat reports or squadron histories for the Korean War.

Mac

[Mark Allen M]

Not a problem Jim. Thx.

Interesting if that Skyraider is still sitting out there, could be located, dived on etc. wonder the condition of it. Salvaged already? Maybe Tighar could spend some time (and donations) locating Eastwood's old ride. Bet some 'Dirty Harry' fans and Skyraider fans would be interested.

Maybe even Eastwood himself would be interested

[airnutz]

Sounds like he was more inept at IFR flying.

Ditto that Mark! The tone of the report sounds like they were amazed after so many errors and poor judgement that there were no fatalities. I'm also amazed Anderson didn't get bounced out of the unit!

As for the AD being a relatively new aircraft, it was interesting the report mentioned the AD being an "old" aircraft requiring a bit closer scrutiny in operation.

[airnutz]

It goes to say, afterwards, Mr Eastwood was "Feeling Lucky" Get it....sorry.. could'nt help myself.. ( I'm such a punk) forget I said that...at least did'nt say "make......

I'd say his quote was probably closer to, " WHAT KINDA GODDAM AIRLINE ARE YOU PEOPLE RUNNIN' AROUND HERE"?

[Chris Brame]

Wonder why Clint had so much trouble keeping the rear door closed? Wouldn't the slipstream keep it closed?

[tom d. friedman]

don't mess w/ "squint little wood" as my smart assed sons would say!!