r2800doublewasp

Judging by the patch on their flight jackets, and the all blue nose of the Corsair, this would be the third incarnation of VMF-214 "Black Sheep". Most likely taken in late 1944, prior to their deployment onboard the USS Franklin (CV-13). and their one day in combat.

Vought F4U-7 BuNo 133693 N33693 NAS North Island

This photograph was not taken on July 2 2013. The F4U-7, BuNo 133693, 'Blue Max' crashed at Brown Field, Chula Vista, CA on May 10, 1987. The aircraft was destroyed with the loss of the pilot and his passenger.

Talking about landing accidents and the C-46 undercarriage problems..... Is it possible to read the tail number?? Stig

Stig Jarlevik Hopefully you can make this one: www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/45748042032/in/datepo...

Thanks Alan Unfortunately the three last digits are too unclear and with too many options. At face value I read 44-77535 which indeed was assigned to 313TCG, but its recorded accident on 16 April 1945 was with 47TCS (N3 code) and here we have a 49TCS code. On top the listed accident was a bad cat 4 crash which killed the crew (or part of it) while on this photo it looks more like a cat 2/3 accident (that landing gear again) and no obvious reason for anyone in the crew to get killed. Again a great thanks for your efforts!! Stig