1954 — May 7, USN P2V5 Neptune takeoff crash off Clifton Pier, Nassau, Bahamas –all 10

–10 AP. “10 Bodies Recovered…Bomber Crash.” Lawton Constitution…Morning Press, OK. 5-9-1954, 1.
–10 AP. “10…Bodies Sought in Navy Plane Crash.” Blytheville Courier News, AK. 5-8-1954, p8.
–10 Aviation Safety Network. USN P2V5 Neptune takeoff crash, Nassau, Bahamas 7May54.

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Network, Database:
“Date: Friday 7 May 1954
“Type: Lockheed P2V-5 Neptune
“Operator: United States Navy
“Registration: 128421
“MSN: 426-5267
….
“Crew: Fatalities: 10 / Occupants: 10
“Passengers: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0
….
“Location: ca 8 km SW of Nassau Airport…Bahamas
“Phase: Initial climb
“Nature: Military
“Departure airport: Nassau International Airport…, Bahamas
“Destination airport: ?
“Narrative:
“The Neptune crashed into the sea about 300 yards off Clifton Pier, Nassau, Bahamas on takeoff, killing all aboard.”

Newspapers

May 8, AP: “Nassau, Bahamas (AP) – Diving crews were expected today to bring up the last of 10 bodies from a two-engined Navy Neptune bomber that crashed in tropic darkness during anti-submarine exercises in the Bahamas. The plane crashed yesterday, shortly after taking off from Windsor Field. It went into the water about 200 yards off shore from Clifton Pier on the southern coast of the island.

“Six bodies had been recovered last night and others were sighted trapped in the wreckage. All aboard were killed.

“The Navy said the plane came from Key West and names of the victims will be announced after next of kin are notified.

“It was the second navy plane reported missing in similar training exercises this week. A small aircraft carrying three men disappeared in the Atlantic Tuesday.” (AP, Nassau, Bahamas. “10 More Bodies Sought in Navy Plane Crash.” Blytheville Courier News, AK. 5-8-1954, p. 8.)

May 9, AP: “Nassau, Bahamas, (AP) – Diving crews brought up the last four bodies today from a two-engine Navy Neptune bomber that crashed in…the Bahamas. Six bodies were recovered last night. All 10 persons aboard the plane were killed. The plane crashed shortly after taking off from Windsor Field.” (Associated Press. “10 Bodies Recovered…Bomber Crash.” Lawton Constitution…Morning Press, OK. 5-9-1954, 1.)

Sources

Associated Press. “10 Bodies Recovered…Bomber Crash.” Lawton Constitution…Morning Press, OK. 5-9-1954, 1. Accessed 7-3-2023 at:
https://newspaperarchive.com/lawton-constitution-and-morning-press-may-09-1954-p-14/

Associated Press, Nassau, Bahamas. “10 More Bodies Sought in Navy Plane Crash.” Blytheville Courier News, AK. 5-8-1954, p. 8. Accessed 7-3-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/blytheville-courier-news-may-08-1954-p-16/

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Network, Database. US Navy Lockheed P2V-5 Neptune takeoff crash, off Clifton Pier, Nassau, Bahamas 7May1954. Accessed 7-3-2023 at:
https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19540507-0