1944 – Feb 23, 2 USN North American PBJ-1D Mitchell bombers collide ~New Bern, NC–10

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 4-11-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–10  Baugher. US Navy…Marine Corps BuNos Third Series (30147 to 39998). 10-11-2009 rev.

–10  Robesonian, Lumberton, NC.  “4 Bodies Taken From Planes in Neuse River.” 2-25-1944, 5

Narrative Information

Baugher: “North American PBJ-1D Mitchell….35121 in midair with 35184 near New Bern, NC 2/23/1944. 10 killed.” (Baugher. US Navy…Marine Corps BuNos Third Series (30147 to 39998). 10-11-2009 revision.)

Newspaper

Feb 24: “New Bern, Feb. 24. – Three bodies were recovered from Neuse river today out of the wreckage of two Navy medium bombers from Cherry Point which collided in a rainstorm early Wednesday morning [Feb 23] a mile from this city.  One body was located yesterday. The six other Marine occupants  of the two planes are believed to be caught in the wreckage buried in river mud at shallow parts of the river. None of the victims of the crash was from North Carolina.”  (The Robesonian, Lumberton, NC.  “4 Bodies Taken From Planes in Neuse River.” 2-25-1944, p. 5.)

Sources

Baugher, Joseph F. US Navy and US Marine Corps BuNos Third Series (30147 to 39998). 8-6-2012 revision. Accessed at: http://www.joebaugher.com/navy_serials/thirdseries4.html

The Robesonian, Lumberton, NC. “4 Bodies Taken From Planes in Neuse River.” 2-25-1944, 5. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=103630765