Crashed Barracuda is secured to HMS PUNCHER’s deck following a crash, Howard Abbott recalls this plane was later pushed over the side. HMS PUNCHER is a Canadian manned escort aircraft carrier. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA043)
Hard Landing -HMS PUNCHER
On HMS PUNCHER’s deck a Firefly is returned onto its wheels after flipping on its nose during a landing late in 1945. PUNCHER Is manned by RCN sailors. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA038)
Crash Landing -HMS PUNCHER
The pilot still in the cockpit of his aircraft shuts down the engine, after a spectacular crash landing. Having snapped its tail hook, this Barracuda was flipped onto its nose by the barrier, saving both aircrew and aircraft on HMS PUNCHER. HMS PUNCHER, although manned by Canadian sailors, was loaned to the RN under the […]
HMS PUNCHER -Deck Crash
A Barracuda nosed into HMS PUNCHER’s flight deck, the rear gunner was slightly injured according to Howard Abbott, the angle of the plane made rescue difficult. Puncher was manned and operated by the Royal Canadian Navy, but retained her HMS designation under the terms of the “Lend/Lease” Agreement, and considered Canada’s second aircraft carrier after […]
HMS PUNCHER Crash Landing
A Wildcat from HMS PUNCHER damages it’s landing gear as the aircraft lands on the pitching deck of the escort carrier in rough weather. HMS PUNCHER was manned and commanded by sailors from the Royal Canadian Navy. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA036)
HMS PUNCHER Tragedy
A tragic crash landing on HMS PUNCHER. This Firefly attempted to land at too great a speed, the arrester hook snapped on contact with the wire and the plane burst through both wire barricades as the plane shot off the carriers bow and plunged into the water. The pilot, Lieutenant M.C. Malone was saved, his […]
Crashed Barracuda -HMS PUNCHER
Following a crash on HMS PUNCHER’s deck during night operations, this Barracuda was jettisoned over the carrier’s side. Note the decorative nose art, appears to have Donald Duck holding a torpedo. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA052)