Aircraft by type

Grumman A-6 Intruder & EA-6 Prowler
Losses and Ejections

WORK IN PROGRESS
STILL IN DRAFT FORM
MORE TO ADD
LAST UPDATED Sunday, 01 January 2012 01:41
CAN ANYONE PROVIDE EXTRA DETAILS OF ANY MISHAP, AMENDMENTS, PHOTOS OF PILOTS AND CREWS MENTIONED, OR THE AIRCRAFT OR SQUADRON BADGES??
 

                 
   

Monday 18th March 1963


USN

A-6A Intruder

149476

NATC
Patuxent River, Maryland

BIS Demo flight, during single engine sawtooth climb at 1500 ft., fuselage speed brakes opened. High sink rate developed.

  Martin-Baker GRU-5
LCDR W. S. McCord
ejected thru canopy out of seat envelope
[other reports suggest
did not attempt ejection.]
No BN on board Martin-Baker
   

Thursday 21st May 1964


USN
A-6A Intruder

149958
AG...


VA-75
"The Sunday Punchers"
Meridan, Mississippi

Electrical and hydraulic failure at 33,000  feet . Re-start attempts failed.

  Martin-Baker GRU-5
LTJG J. D. Harden
ejected
LT JG  William "Bill" M. Tschudy
ejected
[see also 18th July 1965]
Martin-Baker GRU-5
ejected through canopy at 130-135 feet, 105 knots without reported injuries.
   

Friday 28th August 1964


USN
A-6A Intruder

149938


VA-42
"Green Pawns"

Aircraft doing spin demo at 8000 feet, flaps down, stalled and became disoriented in clouds.
Crashed Columbia, NC

    Martin- GRU-5Baker
LTJG B. E. Allen
USN
ejected
1LT R. I. Springfield
USMC
ejected

sustained deep gash of 11/2 inch to right knee.
Martin-Baker GRU-5
through canopy at 3 000 feet.
   
Wednesday 14th July 1965
day

USN
A-6A Intruder 151584

AG 507


VA-75
"The Sunday Punchers"
CVW‑7
USS Independence
CVA-62
Possible premature stores [Mk-82 bombs] explosion. Martin-Baker
LT Donald "Don" V. Boecker
ejected
injured
LT Donald "Don"  R. Eaton
ejected
hand injured, from explosion or ejection through canopy. Returned to duty.
Martin-Baker
   
Sunday 18th July 1965
USN
A-6A Intruder 151577
AG 500

VA-75
"The Sunday Punchers"
CVA-62
USS Independence
Possible premature explosion of own Mk-82 bombs, Laos Martin-Baker
CDR  Jeremiah "Jerry" A. Denton ejected (POW) LTJG  William "Bill" M. Tschudy ejected (POW)
[see also 21st May 1964]
Martin-Baker
reported through canopy
   
Saturday 24th July 1965
USN
A-6A Intruder 151585
AG 508

VA-75
"The Sunday Punchers"
CVW‑7
USS Independence
CVA-62
Possible premature explosion own Mk-82 bombs     Martin-Baker
LT R. P. Bordone ejected LTJG P. F.  Moffett ejected Martin-Baker
Crew ejected with injuries, likely from ejection through canopy. Returned to duty.
   
Tuesday 27th July 1965
USN
A-6A Intruder 151780
VA-85
"
Black Falcons"
USS Kitty Hawk
CV-63
Mid air collision with BuNo 151786 during join-up 75 miles west of San Diego, off the coast of California during work ups on the Kitty Hawk prior to leaving for first WestPac     Martin-Baker
LTJG  G. F. Wagner
ejected
LT A. Malinkoff
ejected
missing**
Martin-Baker
 **Not recovered from the water after a reported successful ejection and correct seat operating sequence
Tuesday 27th July 1965
USN
A-6A Intruder 151786
VA-85
"
Black Falcons"
USS Kitty Hawk
CV-63
Mid air collision with BuNo 151780  during join-up 75 miles west of San Diego, off the coast of California during work ups on the Kitty Hawk prior to leaving for first WestPac     Martin-Baker
LCDR.  G. B. Ball
ejected
LCDR.  J. N. Spartz ejected Martin-Baker
Suffered damages to back vertebra. One crewman felt this was encountered by use of his hand on canopy as an aid to remain firmly in seat during G's encountered.
 

All four of the crew made successfully ejection through canopy. Small cuts and bruises were inflicted to hands, arms and legs.

   
Friday 17th September 1965
Night

USN
A‑6A Intruder 151588
AG 511

VA-75
"The Sunday Punchers"
CVW‑7
USS Independence
CVA-62
 Aircraft struck water
believed AAA; North Vietnam
  Martin-Baker
CDR Frederick Leonard F Vogt, Jr
KIA
LT Robert Franklin Barber
KIA
Martin-Baker
   
Wednesday 8th December 1965
USMC
A-6A Intruder 151805
VMA(AW)-242
"Bats"
MCAS 533
Cherry Point
Crashed into the Atlantic 45 miles south of Cape Lookout, 15 miles north east of Cape hatteras High speed - Low level training runs over water. Pilot's attention was diverted to cockpit and aircraft struck water, rebounding to about 200 feet.      
1LT Jerry Bentley
ejected
CWO William C. Carr
ejected
Martin-Baker
Ejection through canopy. Both crewmen suffered minor cuts and bruises to arms and hands.
   
Tuesday 21st December 1965
USN
A-6A Intruder 151781
VA-85
"
Black Falcons"
USS Kitty Hawk
CV-63
Did not return from combat mission during a night attack on a road bridge on the outskirts of Haiphong      
CDR Billie Jack Cartwright
KIA
MIA
LT Edward Frank Gold
KIA
Martin-Baker
   

28th January 1966


USMC
A-6A Intruder

151567


VMA(AW)-242
"Bats"
Crashed during execution of 1/2 Cuban 8, possible drop of one wing and progressive stall, pilot became disoriented,  Lake Mattameuskeet, North Carolina     Martin-Baker
1LT J. E. Spear
ejected
1LT H. K. Sieglinger
ejected
Martin-Baker
Ejection through canopy. Both crewmen sustained minor lacerations and bruises to arms and hands.
   
18th February 1966
USN
A-6A Intruder 151797
VA-85
"
Black Falcons"
USS Kitty Hawk
CV-63
during a daylight armed reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam in Mountainous terrain. Pull Out apparently low.  
 
Martin-Baker
LTJG Joseph Vaughn Murray
KIA
LTJG Thomas Anthony Schroeffel
KIA

vw
Martin-Baker
   
Wednesday 2nd March 1966
USN
A-6A Intruder 151586
VA-75
"The Sunday Punchers""
Oceana Naval Air Station
Wings not locked. Left wing folded at about 120 feet altitude, 110 knots. Nosed up and flipped over on take off     Martin-Baker
LT J. W. Febel
ejected
injured
No B/N on board Martin-Baker
Ejection through canopy outside of ejection envelope. Serious injuries sustained
   
16th April 1966
also seen as 17th

USN
A-6A Intruder 151794
VA-85
"
Black Falcons"
USS Kitty Hawk
CV-63
Hit by AAA during armed reconnaissance mission near Mu Ron Ma, North Vietnam      
LCDR D L Sayers ejected
rescued by
USAF Albatross
LCDR C J Hawkins ejected
rescued by
USAF Albatross
 
Abandoned over water. Ejected through canopy.
   
21st April 1966
USN
A-6A Intruder 151798
VA-85
"
Black Falcons"
USS Kitty Hawk
CV-63
Either shot down or flew into high ground during the run in to the target of Tan Loc barracks. Observed by E-2A scope only as an explosion.     Martin-Baker
CDR Jack Elmer Keller
KIA
LCDR Ellis Ernest Austin
KIA
Martin-Baker
   
22nd April 1966
USN
A-6A Intruder 151785
VA-85
"
Black Falcons"
USS Kitty Hawk
CV-63
Flew into the sea following attack on  Vinh
Observed striking water.

vw
  Martin-Baker
LCDR Robert Franklin Weimorts
KIA
LTJG William Brewster Nickerson
KIA
Martin-Baker
   
27th April 1966
USN
A-6A Intruder 151788
Buckeye 2

VA-85
"
Black Falcons"
USS Kitty Hawk
CV-63
Near the mouth of the Song Ca River, north of Vinh. pic   Martin-Baker
LT William "Bill"R Westerman
wounded in arm and shoulder by bullet, ejected
rescued by same helo as Westin
LTJG Brian E "Westy" Westin ejected after Westerman into sea. Rescued by helo Martin-Baker
   
15th May 1966
USN
A-6A Intruder 151800
VA-85
"
Black Falcons"
USS Kitty Hawk
CV-63
Unable to re-fuel from the tanker due to a technical malfunction. Fuel Starvation   Martin-Baker
LCDR John Cooley "Buzz" Ellison
ejected
[KIA 24 March 1967]
LCDR R G Blackwood
ejected
 
Martin-Baker
   
Monday 20th June 1966
20:57
night

USMC
A-6A Intruder 152602
VMA-242
"Bats"
Crashed after mid air collision with BuNo152605, into housing development near Buckroe Beach, Chesapeake Bay. The other crashed into the Chesapeake.     Martin-Baker
LT James E. Engstrom
25
USMC
ejected
CAPT James I. Andherst
USMC
ejected
Martin-Baker
Monday 20th June 1966
20:57
night

USN
A-6A Intruder 152605
VMA(AW)-242
"Bats"
Crashed after mid air collision with BuNo152602, into housing development near Buckroe Beach, Chesapeake Bay. The other crashed into the Chesapeake.     Martin-Baker
LT Charles A. Clark
24
USMC
ejected
LT William Llewellyn
USMC
ejected
Martin-Baker
 

The two planes were on a bombing practice on  Tangier Target Range. After the last practice run, during the join up, aircraft 152605 struck 152602 in its wing root area. One air craft crashed into Chesapeake Bay, Va. the other crashed into a housing area of Buckroe Beach, Va., injuring an unknown number of people. All crewmembers ejected safely.

   
25th June 1966
USMC
A-6A Intruder 15181
??-406
VA-65
"Tigers"
CVW‑15
USS Constellation
CVA-64
Hit by AAA pulling out of its dive during a daylight raid on barracks at Hoi Thuong. Aircraft became uncontrollable.  
vw
Martin-Baker
LT Richard M Weber
ejected rescued by USN helo
LTJG Charles Weldon Marik
ejected.
KIA

[not recovered, possibly captured by Viet Cong]
Martin-Baker
Crew ejected (through canopy)
   

16th August 1966


USN
A-6A Intruder

149947


VA-75
"The Sunday Punchers"
CVW‑7
USS Independence
CVA-62
Crashed into western Mediterranean 2/3 miles forward of CVA-62 following normal cat shot for night/nav training flight. Suspected spatial disorientation.     Martin-Baker
CDR Harold F. Hicks
killed
Lt Harold L. Quint
killed
Martin-Baker
Crew recovery unsuccessful.
   
27th August 1966
USN
A-6A Intruder 151822
 NL 402
VA-65
"Tigers"
CVW‑15
USS Constellation
CVA-64

Mission to bomb the Ngoc Son road-bridge

Aircraft received SAM hit in right wing about 15 miles northwest of Vinh.

 

Martin-Baker
LCDR John Heaphy Fellowes
ejected
POW
LTJG George Thomas Coker
ejected at about 3,000 feet
POW
Martin-Baker
Good ejection of both crewmen observed. Beeper operated until crew landed in populated area.
27th September 1966
USN
A-6A Intruder 149939
VA-42
"Green Pawns"
Tangier Target, Maryland. Aircraft assigned a bombing training flight under IFR conditions. Cause of accident unknown.     Martin-Baker GRU-5
LCDR D. C. Owings
killed
Recovered 6th October 1966 in harness, chute streamed
LT D. R. Bibler
killed
 
Martin-Baker GRU-5
   
4th October 1966
USN
A-6A Intruder 149480 NATC
Pax River, Maryland
Adams Island. 20 miles south east of Pax River. P-8A Engine evaluation. Aircraft  at low speed high sink rate unable to recover altitude.     Martin-Baker GRU-5
LCDR P. E. Eriksen
ejected
LCDR D. R. Vandermolen
ejected
Martin-Baker GRU-5
Crew ejected at about 100' through the canopy. Pilot received right broken leg and lacerations. B/N - Laceration of right foot and compressed fracture of vertebra.
   

10th November 1966


USN
A-6A Intruder

149483

NATC
Pax River, Maryland
Unsymmetrical loaded right wing with aerial mines. Wind 2200 relative at lift off. Premature retraction of flaps, aircraft settled to runway way on right wing, skidded off runway into embanknent. Aircraft exploded and burned.     Martin-Baker
LT F. M. Hammond III
ejected
ADJ3 A. Adams
killed
Martin-Baker
Pilot ejected, chute streamed but did not blossom. Injuries sustained were compressed vertebra, broken ankle and abrasion of elbow. B/N failed to eject or egress and suffered fatal injuries.
   
19th January 1967


USN

A-6A Intruder 151590
VA-85
"
Black Falcons"
USS Kitty Hawk
CV-63
 During combat attack  in daylight mission against the Dong Phong Thuong bridges as observed by other air aircraft in-flight, stricken aircraft appeared to sustain a direct hit by AAA and burst into a ball of fire.
vw
 
CDR Allen Colby Brady, ejected
POW
LCDR William P Yarbrough, ejected but parachute did not deploy
KIA
 
Two parachutes were seen, one blossomed out, the other was a streamer. Fate of crew: Missing in action.
   
23rd March 1967


USMC

A-6A Intruder 152608
VMA(AW)-242
"Bats"
 MAG‑11
Da Nang
Overturned following collision with a MAC C‑141 Starlifter on runway     no ejections
CAPT Frederick Cone
able to crawl away from aircraft wreckage
CAPT Doug Wilson
able to crawl away from aircraft wreckage

Aircraft was initiating night take off. Nose wheel lifted off when the pilot observed an Air Force C-141 crossing the runway in front of him. The pilot aborted takeoff, commenced maxim braking effort and veered sharply to the right. A-6A struck the C-141 on the right side of the cockpit area. Both aircraft began to burn with the A-6A inverted off the right side of the runway. The pilot and B/N escaped through the shattered canopy. Pilot suffered a broken knee cap and minor burns. B/N received minor burns.

   
24th March 1967


USN

A-6A Intruder 151587
VA-85
"
Black Falcons"
USS Kitty Hawk
CV-63
Aircraft lost in combat following a midnight attack on the Bac Giang Thermo-Power Plant, near Kep. Aircraft failed to rendezvous after what was described as a successful mission. Aircraft is assumed to have gone down 20 miles southwest of target area, possibly over Chinese territory. They were at the maximums range of all known  SAM installations when IFF Contact was lost. The terrain in the area is mountainous (3000 foot peaks
vw

vw
 
LCDR John Cooley Ellison
KIA
[There is a possibility that LCDR Ellison made radio contact with SAR.]
[see also 15 May 1966]
LTJG James Edwin Plowman
KIA
 
   
28th March 1967


USN

A-6A Intruder 152900 VX-5

also seen as

VX-6

During evaluation of the systems rocket attack mode on Stumpy Point target and while climbing off the target range after six successful rocket runs, pilot experienced a dual engine flameout. Two air start attempts failed. 1/4 mile north of Oregon Inlet, North Carolina     Martin-Baker GRU-5
LT N. R. Czuchra
[Zsuchra ?]
confirm

ejected
CDR R. Bristol
ejected
Martin-Baker GRU-5
 pilot and B/N both ejected successfully after blowing the canopy. Pilot suffered a broken ankle. B/N was uninjured. Both crewmen were picked up by U.S. Coast Guard helicopter
   
17th April 1967


USMC

A-6A Intruder

152608
VMA(AW)-242
"Bats"
 MAG‑11
Da Nang
Believed hit by AAA during night mission against target near Vinh     Martin-Baker GRU-5
CAPT James Edward Carlton
KIA
MAJ James Maurice McGarvey
KIA
Martin-Baker GRU-5
Aircraft was lost on a Rolling Thunder mission south of Vinh. The assigned targets were 10 miles north of Vinh and planned penetration point was 10 miles south of Vinh at an altitude of 500' at maximum power. The pilot of an aircraft one minute later reported seeing a bright orange flash after 'which no further communications were heard from the lost aircraft. Since the second plane observed no ECM warnings, it is being assumed that the aircraft collided with the terrain. The area of the accident has several mountains with an altitude equal to or greater than the run-in altitude. Both crew members are being carried as missing in action.
   
24th April 1967
17:30


USN

A-6A Intruder 152589
NH-512
VA-85
CVW-11
(CVA-63)USS Kitty Hawk
hit in the right wing by 85mm flakcrossfire during six plane A-6A strike against MiG base at Kep Airfield. (BuNo 152589 was one of four A-6A's strike configured, the remaining two A-6A's were missile suppression configured) Martin-Baker GRU-5
CAPT Lewis "Irv" Williams
ejected
POW
LT JG Michael D. Christian
ejected
POW
Martin-Baker GRU-5
The crew stayed with the aircraft until they were five miles from the target. Both ejected successfully and were seen running across a field. Both were captured.
   
19th May 1967
USN
A‑6A Intruder 152594
NG 502
VA‑35
CVW‑9
USS Enterprise
CVAN-65
Hit by SAM on WIZ gaggle to Hanoi about 20 miles southwest of Hanoi during approach to attack the Van Dien depot near the city. Martin-Baker GRU-5
LCDR  Eugene B. "Red" McDaniel
ejected
POW
LT J K Patterson,
ejected
died in captivity
Martin-Baker GRU-5
   
25th May 1967
USMC
A-6A Intruder 151803
VMA(AW)-242
"Bats"
 MAG‑11
Da Nang
During post flight hot refuelling event, fuelling hose separated from fuelling adapter fitting assembly connection, spewing fuel in and around aircraft. Explosion followed with large fire engulfing forward section of aircraft.     Martin-Baker GRU-5
LT A. Loring LT R. Cross Martin-Baker GRU-5
Air crew blew canopy and egressed over side. No personnel injuries.
   
21st August 1967


USN

A-6A Intruder 152638
VA-196
"Main Battery"
USS Constellation
CV-64

 Hit by SAM during attack on Duc Noi railway yard, five miles northeast of Hanoi

 
Martin-Baker GRU-5
CAPT Leo Twyman Profilet
ejected
POW
LCDR William Morgan Hardman
ejected
POW
Martin-Baker GRU-5
21st August 1967


USN

A-6A Intruder 152627
VA-196
"Main Battery"
USS Constellation
CV-64
Seen on radar to fly North following attack on Duc Noi railway yard into Chinese Airspace. Claimed shot down by Chinese MiG-19s     Martin-Baker GRU-5
LTJG "J" Forrest George Trembley
KIA
LTJG Dain Vanderlin Scott
KIA
Martin-Baker GRU-5
21st August 1967


USN

A-6A Intruder 152625
VA-196
"Main Battery"
USS Constellation
CV-64
  Martin-Baker GRU-5
LCDR Jimmy Lee Buckley
KIA
LT Robert James Flynn
POW
Martin-Baker GRU-5
  BuNo's 152638, 152625 and 152627 were part of a daylight flight of four aircraft in loose trail with the Duc Noi railroad yards as the assigned target. The target location is eight miles north of Hanoi, seventy-two miles south of the Reed China border. During the target run, BuNo 152638 was in a 300 visual bombing run at 7000 feet when it was hit with either an 85 ASM or a SAM. The aircraft was immediately engulfed in flames . Two chutes were observed and beeper signals were heard for 5minutes. BuNo's 152625 and 152627 were last seen heading north with MIG's in pursuit. The fate of all crew members is unknown. The fourth aircraft returned to the carrier okay.
   
26th August 1967


USMC

A-6A Intruder 152639 VMA(AW)‑533
 MAG‑12
 Chu Lai
Hit by AAA at low level during a night strike on storage buildings to the east of Hon Gay, and crashed Martin-Baker GRU-5
MAJ Vladimir Henry Bacik
KIA
CAPT Paschal Glenn Boggs
KIA
vw
Martin-Baker GRU-5
Both appear in the Martin-Baker Ejection Lists for 1967

Aircraft was on a Rolling Thunder, night VFR Sortie, when it was lost north of Haiphong. The loss of the stricken aircraft was not witnessed by aircraft in the area because of several layers of overcast. The last communication with the aircraft indicated it had just passed over the beach on an attack run from the sea. The altitude during this run-in was to be at 2500 feet and the escape route was to take the aircraft through mountainous terrain which included peaks reaching to 3800 feet. There was no Mayday call. The possibility of the aircraft striking one of these mountains exists. Both crew members are listed as missing.

   

 5th September 1967


USN
A-6A Intruder

152613

VA-128
NAS Whidby Island, Washingtom
While performing FCLP's at 0200 hours, aircraft was on downwind leg below 1,000 feet when the pilot observed fuel pressure warning light on both engines and then both engines flamed out     Martin-Baker GRU-5
LTJG D. W. Driver
ejected
LTJG J. D. Hunt
ejected
Martin-Baker GRU-5
Both crew members ejected successfully through the canopy receiving only minor injuries. Aircraft crashed and burned on the field.
   
31st October 1967
02:00


USMC

A-6A Intruder 152601 VMA(AW)‑242, MAG‑11, USMC, Da Nang Lost during night mission Canal des Rapides Bridge near Hanoi Martin-Baker GRU-5
CAPT Hugh Michael Fanning
KIA
[some reports suggest he was taken POW]
vw
CAPT Stephen Jay Kott
KIA
vw
Martin-Baker GRU-5
Both appear in the Martin-Baker Ejection Lists for 1967

The aircraft was the second plane in a two-plane flight. Mission was flown on the Red River approaching Hanoi. objective was the seeding of the river with bombs armed with MK-36 fuzes. Flight plan called for a run-in altitude of 400', Military Power setting. Flight leader reports that the weather was slightly hazy with three to five miles of visibility. First aircraft encountered heavy Automatic Weapon fire and numerous missile firings. They report that by the time the second plane arrived (same thirty to forty seconds later) , there was a "solid wall" of AA from the decks to around thirty thousand feet. Aircraft had delivered its ordnance and was commencing his egress when EA-6A giving ECM support reports that there was a large explosion observed in the area of the lost aircraft. Reason for explosion, whether from ground fire or ground contact, is undeterminable. Fate of crew is unknownBoth aircraft had full operating systems at the Initial Point

   
2nd November 1967


USN

A‑6A  Intruder 152629
NK-403

VA-196
"Main Battery"
USS Constellation
CV-64
Lost  near Van La, 10 miles south of Hanoi during night mission against a ferry at Kim Quan.   Martin-Baker GRU-5
LCDR Richard David Morrow
KIA
vw
L. James Joseph Wright
KIA
Martin-Baker GRU-5
The strike occurred as a result of direct enemy action. Both radar and radio contact were lost simultaneously while the airplane was engaged in a night low level bombing run. The crew is listed as Missing in Action.
   

4th November 1967


USMC

A‑6A  Intruder

151799

VMA(AW)-225
MCAS Cherry Point
Mid air with 149942
crashed
in a swamp 15 miles from Cherry Point
    Martin-Baker GRU-5
LT D. Suter
ejected
LT R. D. Avery
ejected
Martin-Baker GRU-5
4th November 1967


USMC

A‑6A  Intruder 149942 VMA(AW)-225
MCAS Cherry Point
Mid air with 151799
landed safely
    Martin-Baker GRU-5
?? ?? Martin-Baker GRU-5
 

BuNo 151799 and BuNo 149942 (Shop 29) were involved in a midair collision during a day in-flight refuelling manoeuvre. The pilot of the tanker aircraft (BuNo 151799) experienced a nose dawn tendency during the letdown for an over-field demonstration. To counteract this, he initiated nose up trim from 5 to 6 degrees without any response from the aircraft. Next the aircraft performed an abrupt hard-over to the left which resulted in the receiver aircraft contacting the empennage of the tanker.
Shortly after this the tanker aircraft was approaching the inverted attitude. The receiver aircraft, however, was able to recover and return to base. The tanker crashed in a swamp 15 miles from Cherry Point and it appeared from the way it struck ground that it was nearly vertical at moment of impact. The crew successfully ejected.

   
25th November 1967


USMC

A-6A Intruder 152612 VMA(AW)‑242, MAG‑11, USMC, Da Nang Lost during an attack on Kien An airfield near Haiphong     Martin-Baker GRU-5
LTCol Lewis Herbert Abrams
KIA
vw
1.LT Robert Eugene Holdeman
KIA
Martin-Baker GRU-5
The aircraft was lost as a result of enemy action. The target was Kin An. During run 14 miles south of target, the aircraft transmission went off the air. Both crew members are listed as Missing in Action.
   
31st December 1967


USN

A-6A Intruder 152917 VA‑75, USN, USS Kitty Hawk Believed lost to SAM during daylight attack on a storage cave about three miles east of Vinh     Martin-Baker GRU-5
LCDR John Darlington Pearce
[Piece ?]

KIA
LT Gordon Samuel Perisho
KIA
Martin-Baker GRU-5

The aircraft was on an IFR bombing strike and was lost as a result of enemy' action. There was heavy flak and missiles in the area. Both crew members are listed as Missing in Action.

   
26th January 1968


USN

A-6A Intruder 152901 VA‑165, USN, USSRanger mission to bomb Vinh airfield crashed a few miles north of the target     Martin-Baker GRU-5
LCDR Norman Edward "Buzz" Eidsmoe
(KIA)
LT Michael Edward Dunn
(KIA)
Martin-Baker GRU-5

The aircraft was on a strike mission carrying 9 MK-83 bombs and was lost as a result of direct  enemy action at 2040 hours. The target was an airfield at Vinh. The last transmission heard from the pilot was that he had expended his bombs on the target. Both crew members are listed as missing.

   
18th January 1968


USMC

A-6A Intruder 152636 VMA(AW)‑533, MAG‑12, USMC, Chu Lai failed to return from a night attack on a target near Vinh Yen, 20 miles northwest of Hanoi     Martin-Baker GRU-5
MAJ Hobart McKinley Wallace (KIA) CAPT Patrick Peter Murray (KIA) Martin-Baker GRU-5

The aircraft was on a combat radar strike mission - Western Track Rolling Thunder -target, Ven Bay Ammo Dump. Weather over the target 300 foot scattered, visibility 3 miles and ground fog. Last contact was two mid from release. No other details are known. Both crew members are listed as missing.

   
23rd January 1968


USN

A-6A Intruder 152932 VA‑165, USN, USS Ranger aircraft hit the sea during a low‑level ingress to a target in North Vietnam     Martin-Baker GRU-5
CDR L S Kollmorgen
ejected
(survived)
LCDR Gerald Lee Ramsden (KIA) Martin-Baker GRU-5
The aircraft was on a strike mission at 2300hours, flying at 150 feet, and flew into the water (cause unknown) 25 miles short of the target. The pilot, C ER Kollmorgen, ejected prior to impact and was rescued. He received minor cuts and bruises. The B/N, WEIR Ramsden did not eject, his hard hat was found with other debris of the wreckage. He is reported as missing.
   
29/30 January 1968


USMC

A-6A Intruder 152588 VMA(AW)‑242, MAG‑11, USMC, Da Nang Destroyed during a mortar  attack on base      
no casualties
   
23rd February 1968
02:30


USMC

A-6A Intruder 152631 VMA(AW)‑533, MAG‑12, USMC, Chu Lai

collided with a Crusader on a non‑combat flight a few miles out to sea near Da Nang

F-8 pilot CAPT George Lawrence Hubler (KIA)
    Martin-Baker GRU-5
1.LT R V Smith ejected
(survived)
???
ejected
(survived)
Martin-Baker GRU-5
Aircraft was returning from a strike mission when it was involved in a midair collision with an F-8E, at 0230 hours, approximately 31 miles from Chu Lai. The A-6A was on GCI and was informed that there was a target (F-8E) in the same area at a lower altitude. The B/N looked up and reported the F-8E was at the same altitude as the A-6A. The collision occurred immediately thereafter. Both crew members ejected after the A-6A went out of control and were picked up in the water.
   
24th February 1968


USMC

A-6A Intruder 152644 VMA(AW)‑533, MAG‑12, USMC, Chu Lai shot down during a night strike on Hoa Lac airfield, 17 miles west of Hanoi Martin-Baker GRU-5
MAJ Jerry Wendell Marvel
ejected (POW)
CAPT Lawrence Victor Friese
ejected (POW)
Martin-Baker GRU-5

 The strike occurred as a result of direct entry action. Aircraft failed to return from a night radar strike. Supporting agencies report last contact was two minutes prior to target time. The weather forecast was 500 broken, 3,000 overcast, visibility 2-4 miles in fog and drizzle. Both crew members are listed as missing.

   
28th February 1968
USN
A‑6A  Intruder 152938, NG 512 VA‑35
CVW‑9
USS Enterprise
CVAN-65
Flak during night strike on a coastal defence site at Do Son in North Vietnam. Crashed about 20 miles off the coast east of Thanh Hoa off North Vietnam      
LCDR H A Coons
KIA
LT T Stegman
KIA
 

Aircraft was lost while on a strike mission on the Bai Thong airfield. This was event four for the day with a 1915 hours launch. BuNo 152938 was loaded with 22 MK-82 barbs. Shortly after catapult 152938 radioed "execute", which meant he was on his assigned flight plan. This was his last radio transmission. When 152938 did not join up with the other A-6A on this event, an electronic search was made over 152938's flight area. Running low on fuel, this aircraft had to return to Enterprise. To A-6A aircraft on the following event were sent over Bai Tong to obtain bomb damage assessment of this area if possible. Nome was obtained. Shortly after midnight, Destroyer Escorts Jouett and Southerland were called off station to begin a search of the coastal waters. At 0605 hours that morning an oil slick 75 feet in diameter was located by Southerland. Southerland and Jouett intensified their search but were hampered by poor visibility (less than 100 yards) . At 0630 hours, debris was located and swimmers were sent into the water to recover as much as possible. It has not been determined whether 152938 was enroute to or returning from the target when the aircraft impacted with the water. The Navy has listed both crew members as missing.

                 
                 
 
                 
   
1st March 1968
USN
A‑6A Intruder 152944, NG 504 VA‑35
CVW‑9
USS Enterprise
CVAN-65
shot down or had flown into the sea among the islands south of Cam PhaNorth Vietnam    
LCDR Thomas Edwin Scheurich
MIA
LT JG Richard Clive Lannon
KIA
 
Aircraft was lost while on a strike on the military barracks at Cam Pha. A-6A aircraft 154125 and 152942 were also scheduled on this event, the second of the day. Different targets were assigned 154125 and 152942. All three aircraft were launched at 1800 hours local. The weather at the time was overcast and foggy. All three aircraft reported good radios and weapons systems after catapult.
The aircraft then split, each enroute to their respective targets. At 1837 hours local, 152944 radioed "execute". Coast in should have occurred five minutes later with an additional two minutes over land. The planned altitude was 2500 feet. "Execute" was the last radio transmission heard from 152944. A-6A's 154125 and 152942 proceeded to the pre-briefed lost communications  off-target rendezvous point and alerted search and rescue forces and cognizant radar following agencies. Radar following of 152944 was not successful.. contact was lost at the tine of execute call when IFF was secured. The radar controlling agency reported the position of 152944 at the time of execute call at 1837 hours local. This corresponds closely with the intended tract of 152944 en-route to the target. When 152944 did not rendezvous with 154125 and 152942, the latter aircraft requested the next event A-6 A's to jettison their ordnance and commence an electronic search of 152944's coast in and target. No beepers were heard or bomb damage assessment of the target obtained.
A-6A's on a later event carried NK-24 flares for a visual confirmation in the event of a
successful electronic search. No debris has been found from 152944. Both crew members are listed as missing.
1st March 1968
USN
A‑6A Intruder 152922
check date
VA‑75, USN, USS Kitty Hawk night low‑level strike on a railway yard at Haiphong      
LT Richard Crawford Nelson (KIA)

Remains Returned on 1 July 1984

LT Gilbert Louis Mitchell (KIA)  
Aircraft was lost while on a mission against a railroad yard outside of Haiphong Port city. ft encountered heavy anti-aircraft
artillery fire and no emergency signals were
heard. Both crew members are listed as missing.
12th March 1968
USN
A‑6A Intruder 152943 VA‑35
CVW‑9
USS Enterprise
CVAN-65
Operational loss following launch      
CDR Glenn Edward Kollman (KIA)
CO of VA‑35
LT John Gary Griffith (KIA)  
Aircraft crashed 3 miles from the carrier ENTERPRISE following catapult launch at 0430 hours. The following transmissions were heard and recorded, "Rolling, Rolling, Eject, Ejecting, I'm Ejecting".
17th March 1968
USN
A‑6A Intruder 152940, NG 510 VA‑35
CVW‑9
USS Enterprise
CVAN-65
AAA during mission againsts a railway yard at Khe Nu North Vietnam Martin-Baker
LCDR Edwin A Shuman II
POW
released on 14 March 1973
LCDR Dale W. Doss
POW
released on 14 March 1973
Martin-Baker
  Aircraft was lost while on a strike mission in North Viet Nam, at 0300 hours. Both crewmembers were captured.

20th March 1968


USN
A‑6A Intruder

152952
NK-

VA-85 Approx. 100 miles south of Puerto Rico      
LTJG J. Irwin
killed
LTJG J. Abbott
killed
 
The stricken aircraft was catapulted off the carrier AMERICA at approximately 1030 hours configured as a Tanker. Following the refuelling of an F-4, the Tanker was to rendezvous with his squadron and join the formation. Witnesses stated the following: During join up, the Tanker was closing in fast and high on his teammates. Realizing he was going to overshoot the formation and being a bit high, he nosed over and went into a left skid. At this time, witnesses claim he popped his fuselage and wing tip speed brakes. It is believed since he was slightly left wing down when last seen, he extended his fuselage speed brakes, lost thrust, didn't have time to recover and collided with the water in a left wing down attitude. No aircraft wreckage has been sighted.
14th April 1968
USN
A‑6A Intruder ??          
  LT G. Olsen
ejected
 

18th April 1968


USMC
A‑6A Intruder

151817
WK-

VMA(AW)‑224 49 miles from Cherry Point      
Major T. Nalle
killed
CAPT. G. Westendorf
killed
 
Aircraft impacted water at steep angle. Altitude and airspeed unknown. Pilot's body located in vicinity of crash site.
1st May 1968


USMC

A-6A Intruder 151578 VMA(AW)‑242, MAG‑11, USMC, Da Nang  Structural failure. Crashed during a strike mission ???
ejected
   
CAPT E. J. Fickler
ejected
survived
CAPT G H Christensend
[Christiansen ?]

ejected
(survived)
Martin-Baker
At 0530 hours, the pilot was on an IFR departure when he noticed no "up" indication on the slats. At approximately 220 knots he reduced power to slow the aircraft and recycle the slats. At 180 knots, the pilot raised the slats and the left wing dropped. Lateral controls were ineffective and the aircraft continued to roll to the left. The pilot blew the canopy and ordered the B/N to eject and he ejected himself immediately thereafter.
2nd May 1968


USMC

A-6A Intruder 154164 154164 VMA(AW)‑533, MAG‑12, USMC, Chu Lai

Shot down. Dawn strike on vehicles five miles northwest of Dong Hoi

   
1/LT Thomas D Clem (KIA) 1.LT Robert Douglas Avery (KIA)
vw
 
Aircraft was lost while on a Tally Ho Mission in the northern part of Route Package One. Radar and radio contact was abruptly lost at approximately 0540 hours. The fate of the crew is unknown.
13th May 1968
USN
A‑6A Intruder 152951, NG 510 VA‑35
CVW‑9
USS Enterprise
CVAN-65

low‑level night strike on Vinh airfield.

57mm AAA; North Vietnam
   
 LT Bruce B. Bremner
ejected
recovered
see also
19th April 1971
LT J. T. Fardy
ejected
recovered
 
Aircraft was hit by AA at 2350 hours while on a combat mission over North Viet Nana. The aircraft was struck just after ordnance release. A fire started at the left wing fold. After unsuccessful attempts to extinguish the fire while enroute to the carrier, both crew members ejected successfully.

15th May 1968


USMC
A‑6A Intruder

151569
WK-

VMA(AW)‑224 20 miles south of Forbes AFB, Kansas      
MAJ D. F. Crowe
ejected
CAPT J. C. Clingerman
[Klingermanof ?]

ejected
 
Aircraft was enroute to Yuma, Arizona and made a hot fueling stop at NAS Olathe, Kansas. Following takeof f , there was smoke in the cockpit. The pilot returned to Olathe. However, he did not shut the engins down. He then took off again. Seven to eight minutes out, the aircraft encountered heavy thunderstorm. The pilot lost all instruments and both generators then became disoriented. Crew members ejected and were hospitalized.
24th June 1968
USN
A‑6A Intruder 152949, NG 503 VA‑35
CVW‑9
USS Enterprise
CVAN-65
AAA over target - a waterway about five miles southwest of Vinh North Vietnam. Shot down as a result of direct enemy fire eight miles SSE to Vinh    
LT Nicholas Mallory Carpenter
KIA
LTJG Joseph Scott  Mobley
POW
link
Martin-Baker
  LTJG Joe Mobely – A6, POW at Hanoi Hilton, returned, retired as Vice Admiral  
Although he suffered a broken leg upon shoot down, LT Mobley was tied,  standing, to a pillar, was beaten, interrogated, displayed for public  humiliation, and forced to dodge bricks and bamboo sticks for eight or nine  hours. He was then put into a cell and after waiting many long agonizing  hours for medical attention for his broken leg, he set the bone himself.  Later his captors applied a splint. Months of solitary confinement and  intermittent torture and interrogation sessions continued over the five  years of his imprisonment. He is six foot one and during captivity his  weight dropped to 120 pounds.
Monday 22nd July 1968


USN

A-6A Intruder 152903 Whidbey NAS Crashed into Dugualla Bay during landing approach 3 miles east of NAS Whidbey     Martin-Baker
LT John R. Suckow
27
ejected
LT Thomas D. Stuart
27
ejected
Martin-Baker
Aircraft had completed day practice bombing mission and was enroute to NAS Miidbey for practice instrument landing. Both crewmen heard loud "cycling" noise in cockpit. Pilot glanced at hydraulic gauges and saw left and right combined system pressure gauges drapph/g toward zero. Pilot attempted to reduce airspeed and lower larding gear. Gear indicated unsafe. Inflight refueling of 1200 lbs. was acoomplished (to) other attempts unsuccessful). Pilot turned downward for a nose gear unsafe landing. FUel state was 600 lbs. in the fuselage tank and 600 lbs. in the wings. A dual flameout occurred as aircraft passed through a deep 90° position at approximately 1200 feet. B/N ejected at 1200 feet and pilot ejected at 800 feet. Aircraft impacted water.

25 July 1968


USMC

A-6A Intruder 154166

"Hellborn 20"

VMA(AW)‑533, MAG‑12, USMC, Chu Lai

Hit by 37mm flak about 10 miles northwest of Thon Cam Son while on armed reconnaissance sortie just north of the DMZ

 
MAJ Curtis G Lawson
ejected
(survived)
1LT Paul Gordon Brown
ejected
(POW)

released on 14 March 1973

 
Aircraft failed to return from combat mission. Aircraft reportedly disappeared off Gel radarscope at 2200 hours. No radio transmissions received from aircraft. Pilot rescued by JOLLY GREEN, 26 July. The B/N was fatal.
 
Attached picture includes Curtis Lawson, Hellborn 20A, (Second from right) after his rescue on 26 July 1968
 
CSAR Society will be debriefing the rescue mission at our meeting 13-16 May 2007 at Moody AFB.  Sandys, Spads, Mistys and Jolly Greens along with Lawson and Paul Brown are planning to attend.
 
Don Dineen
Spad 13 on this mission.
                 
27 July 1968


USMC

A-6A Intruder 152595 VMA(AW)‑242, MAG‑11, USMC, Da Nang Damaged on ground during attack on Da Nang Air Base      
     
Aircraft was destroyed as the result of a mortar attack on Ce Nang Air Base. Aircraft was parked in a revetment loaded with 22 MK-82 barbs when it received a direct hit.

05th August 1968


USMC

A-6A Intruder

154139

VA-128        
LT D. W. Cable
ejected
LTJG Buckie
ejected
drowned
 
Aircraft went into a stall spin while performing authorized aerobatics. The pilot initiated spin recovery procedures with negative results. Passing 10, 000 feet, pilot ordered ejection. Both crew members ejected and entered water approximately 100 yards offshore. Pilot observed the B/N and heard him cal l ing for assistance. Pilot disengaged chute and swam towards B/N' s last known position. No trace of B/N or chute. Pilot rescued by fishing boat. B/N's body recovered next day. Fatality due to apparent drowning.
20th August 1968


USN

A-6B Intruder 151560
VA-196
"Main Battery"
USS Constellation
CV-64
Lost during launch in the Gulf of Tonkin pic    
LTJG D C Brandenstein
ejected
(survived)
[Later became astronaut
LT W A Neal
ejected
(survived)
 
Approximately five minutes after catapult, the pilot suffered a wing slat malfunction. After recycling, pilot attempted a Zero "G" maneuver to aid in slat retraction. At this point, aircraft rolled 90' right wing dawn at 30° nose down position. The pilot was able to recover to a 45° right wing down position but immediately rolled 90' wing dawn again. He ordered the B/N to eject and immediately thereafter ejected. Both ejected successfully
through the canopy and were picked up by
helicopter and brought back safely aboard the carrier.

27th August 1968


USN
A-6A Intruder

154125

VA-128 Crashed near Anacores, WA      
LCDR Hower
ejected
LTJG L. T. Lockwood
ejected
 
Aircraft apparently struck treetops in letdown through cloud layer. (North of Whidbey Island) Both crew members ejected successfully and sustained only mild skin abrasions.
28 August 1968


USN

A-6B Intruder 151561 VA‑85, USN, USS America Probable SAM hit during night‑time Iron Hand mission in the Vinh Son area, 20 miles northwest of Vinh    
LTJG Robert Ray Duncan (KIA)
vw
LTJG Alan Frederick Ashall (KIA)
vw
 
Aircraft was on a Standard Ann Mission VFR night, at an altitude of approximately 18,000 feet, 10 miles southwest of Vinh. The area was known as (hot) with AA and small an fire, also an active "SAM" site. The stricken aircraft was being held on radar by an E-2A. An A-7A operating 20 miles south reported 3 "SAM's" lifting off and the E-2A advised the stricken aircraft but received no acknowledgment. One minute and thirty seconds later, the aircraft disappeared from radar. The E-2A then advised the A-6 to squawk emergency. Again there was no acknowledgment. Both crew hers are listed as missing in action.
6 September 1968


USN

A-6A Intruder 154127 VA‑85, USN, USS America night low‑level attack on targets near the city of Vinh    
CDR Kenneth Leon Coskey
ejected
injured leg
(POW)
LCDR R G McKee
ejected
(survived)
 
Aircraft was on a night AMTI Mission gear Vinh, VFR conditions, straight and level at 4,000 feet, when it was hit by 37 144 ground fire. Bath cr members ejected. The pilot is presumed captured and the B/N was rescued with minor injuries.
30 September 1968


USN

A-6A Intruder 154149
VA-196
"Main Battery"
USS Constellation
CV-64
Probable SAM hit during night armed reconnaissance mission north of Vinh      
LTJG Larry Jack Van Renselaar (KIA) LT Domenick Anthony "Spike" Spinelli (KIA)  
While on a night armed reconnaissance mission, aircraft was shot down by SAMS in North Vietnam at 2102 hrs. Another A-6A in the vicinity observed two SAMS detonate; api. 20 seconds later a large explosion was observed on the
An E-2A received one sweep of IFF emergency and nothing more. Both crew members are listed as missing in action.
13 October 1968


USN

A-6A Intruder 154141 VA‑52, USN, USS Coral Sea  Lost near Song Kanh Can River, 20 miles southeast of Vinh      
CDR Quinlen Roberts Orell (KIA) LT James D Hunt (KIA)  
Aircraft launched frail USS CORAL SEA at 1831 hours on a scheduled night AMPI flight. All systems, ECM included, were reported in an up status at time of launch. Just prior to loss of radar contact, voice mom and IFF, the following was noted: Pilot of downed aircraft reported over UHF, "I have a singer" (being tracked by Phan-Son). . Later pilot reported "lost singer". Shortly thereafter, pilot of lost aircraft reported "base Alt" (3500'), "minus one"
(1000') . Moments later all radio, radar tracking info and IFF from reported aircraft were lost. Both crew umbers are listed as missing in action.
18th December 1968


USN

A-6A Intruder 154150
VA-196
"Main Battery"
USS Constellation
CV-64
Possible premature detonation of own bombs during a daylight Steel Tiger strike on a road just within Laos, about 15 miles southeast of the A Shau Valley    

 

 
LTJG John Richards Babcock
(KIA)
LT Gary Jon Meyer (KIA)  
Aircraft was on a daylight combat strike mission (weather clear, visibility 20 miles) when it was hit by suspected enemy ground fire. The aircraft was on its 8th run and was rolling in prior to dropping its last two MK-82 bombs. No flak or tracers were observed. No ejections were observed. The fate of the crew members is unknown.

19/20 December 1968

 


USN

A-6A Intruder  154152
VA-196
"Main Battery"
USS Constellation
CV-64
Wing blown off during a night strike on a truck park on the Trail near Ban Tanook, 20 miles southwest of the A Shau Valley    
LT Michael Lora Bouchard
ejected
(KIA)
vw
LT Robert W Colyar
ejected
(survived
 
Aircraft was on a night combat strike mission (weather clear, visibility 10 miles) when it was hit by suspected enemy grand fire. Arie aircraft was on its first run with 16 MK-82 bombs aboard. At 6500 feet the bombs were dropped and the aircraft was hit at approximately 5500 feet on pull out. No flak or tracers were observed. The B/N was rescued by helicopter 12 hours later. The fate of the pilot is unknown.
   
                 
                 
                 
16th January 1969


USMC

A-6A Intruder 152586 VMA(AW)‑242, MAG‑11, USMC, Da Nang Believed shot down by ground fire at night in the A Shau Valley border region  
CAPT Edwin James Fickler (KIA)
vw
1.LT Robert John Kuhlman (KIA)
vw

[also seen as
LT Mulhearn]
 
Aircraft was lost in the Ashau Valley. Last radio contact was made at 2145 hours by Army "RED EYE" (0V-l). The fate of the crew is unknown

12th February 1969


USMC
A-6A Intruder

151594

VMA-224 33 miles from Yuma     Martin-Baker
1st LT W. R. Teglia
ejected
1st LT J. H. Schiek
ejected
Martin-Baker
Aircraft was returning to MCAS Yuma, Arizona following completion of bathing mission. While climbing at 7500', aircraft speed approximately 350 knots, the pilot stated he had a sudden and rapid EGT and RPM fluctuation on the right engine followed by an almost immediate flameout . He secured the engine and initiated normal air start procedures. It was at this time the left engine flamed out. Both crew members ejected without injuries.

7th March 1969


USN
A-6A Intruder

152643

VA-35 Mid-air collision with 152897 Boyington Va.      
LTJG R. P. Wiegand
[also Weigland] ejected
[thru canopy]
survived
LTJG T. P. Lufkin
[Luskin ?]

ejected
[thru canopy]
killed
 
   Aircraft were on VTR training tactics mission approximately 100 miles S.W. of Oceana when collision occurred at approximately 1215 hours

7th March 1969


USN
A-6A Intruder

152897

VA-35 Mid-air collision with 152643 Boyington Va.      
LTJG J. M. Coldstock
[Colestock ?]

ejected
[thru canopy]
killed
LTJG E. Young
Did not eject
killed
 
   Aircraft were on VTR training tactics mission approximately 100 miles S.W. of Oceana when collision occurred at approximately 1215 hours
17 March 1969


USMC

A-6A Intruder 154160 VMA(AW)‑533, MAG‑12, USMC, Chu Lai low‑level night mission near Muang Nong in southern Laos    
1.LT Steven Ray Armistead (KIA)
vw
CAPT Charles Elbert Finney (KIA)
vw
 
  Aircraft was on a Night Armed Recon flight and was diverted to "Blind Bat" control. Forward Air Controller observed the aircraft to crash and explode 2130 hours. Suspectaay ground fire. Wreckage confirmed. No beeper heard. The Fate of the crew is unknown.
3 April 1969
check details


USN

A-6A Intruder 155587 VA-65
USS Kitty Hawk

Engine problem during strike near the Mu Gia Pass in southern Laos

     
LCDR E G Redden
ejected
(survived)
LT J F Ricci
ejected
(survived)
 
USAF SAR helicopters from the 40th ARRS
Aircraft was on a combat attack mission in enemy territory and was hit by anti-aircraft fire at 13,000 feet just prior to release of ordnance. Crew members ejected successfully and were rescued by helicopter

03rd April 1969


USN
A-6A Intruder

152898

VA-35 Lauray, VA.      
LCDR E. Ehlers
killed
LCDR J. Platt
killed
 
Aircraft was one of three which took off at 0830 hours on a routine training flight and ran into a weather front. Stricken aircraft crashed at Lauray, VA. The other two A-6A's apparently flew over the weather. Mountain peaks in the area are 4,000 feet. Weather was up to 5,000 feet . Neither crew member attempted to eject.
18th April 1969
USN
A-6A Intruder 155663 VA-85 Olathe NAS Believed bird strike by prairie chicken. Engine faltered and aircraft flipped over in mud and turned over Olathe, KS      
LT Elfrid M. Stack
OK
LT Kermit Jamison
OK
 
Aircraft crashed on takeoff from Olathe, KA after stopping for fuel while enroute to NAS Fallon. After beaming airborne, the pilot experienced a port engine failure. Be immediately dropped the hook, but missed the arresting gear. The aircraft continued off the end of the runway and flipped inverted and became engulfed in flames. The crash crew were able to extinguish the flames around the cockpit area and tunnel under the aircraft to rescue both crew members. It is suspected that a large bird was ingested in the port engine
Wednesday 14th May 1969
USN
Grumman A-6A Intruder 154155
VA-196
"Main Battery"
USS Constellation
CV-64
During airshow practice unplugged from A-3 tanker. Both engine cut in error. Obtained restart and landed OK     Martin-Baker
LTJG Steve Richmond
instructed BN to eject
LTJG R. Littke
ejected
400 feet MSL
[thru canopy]
survived
Martin-Baker

" . . . LTJG Steve Richmond ejection in 1969 was a USN not USMC. I was Steve's BN in 1973."
Kris Ackerbauer
in email 13th April 2011, entry amended 14th April 2011

29th June 1969

USN A-6A Intruder

154143

VA-52
McChord AFB
Crashed near South Tacoma after take off from McChord AFB where it had been performing display at an air show      
LT D. Driver
killed
LTJG S. Spurlock
killed
 
Aircraft was on static display at McChord AFB and was being flown back to Whidbey Island. During take off , aircraft drifted slightly to the right at approximately 200 feet altitude, and then started slaw rate of roll to the left going fully inverted impacting the ground off the end of the runway. Both crew members received fatal injuries.
Monday 7th July 1979
21:50
USN A-6A Intruder 154153 VA-165 Whidbey Island NAS Aircraft out of control. Ejected over the Cascades. Crashed and burned on Bandera Mountain 70 miles south east of Whidbey      
LT Phillip Soucek
[also seen as C. M. Soucek]

ejected
rescued Tuesday an hour later and two miles from where LCDR Herman was found
LCDR Donald R. Herman
ejected
rescued Tuesday on Gardner Mountain
 
Aircraft was on a night instrument check flight and was airborne sixteen minutes when the pilot experienced control
difficulties. Both crew members ejected successfully

Tuesday 19th August 1969
20:50

USN A-6A Intruder

152633
NG-

VA-145 Whidbey Island NAS Crashed on Navy bombing range      
CMDR Richard B. Walls
killed
LT Barry K. Cochrun
killed
 
Aircraft was in a bombing pattern when reporting in to Boardman, the bombing mode
Aircraft impacted ground in vicinity of target at 2250 hours. Both crew members received fatal injuries.

26th August 1969


USMC

A-6A Intruder

151574

VMAT(AW)-202 Near Cherry Point      
1LT R. W. Albright
ejected

[Out of seat Envelope
thru canopy]
1LT R. B. Casey
ejected
[Out of seat Envelope
thru canopy]
 
Student pilot was performing SPLIT "S" from 20,000 feet. At a point when it was apparent the aircraft would not safely pull out, instructor pilot ejected and immediately thereafter student pilot ejected. Student ejected too low. Chute did not fully deploy and he suffered fatal injuries. Instructor suffered serious injuries.
21st September 1969


USMC

A-6A Intruder 155611 VMA(AW)‑225, MAG‑11, USMC, Da Nang        
MAJ P M Busch
[Bush ?]

ejected
 sustained serious injuries
(survived)
Rescued by an Army helicopter
1.LT R W Hargrave
ejected
 sustained serious injuries
(survived)
rescued by a Marine Corps helicopter
 
Aircraft was lead aircraft of flight of two on a close air support VFR mission. Aircraft called in, rolling in on first live ordnance run, 30° dive, 3200 AGL release, 450 klas. No further radio contact. Wingman observed aircraft to trail smoke momentarily. Aircraft went out of control. Both crew members ejected successfully.

26th September 1969

USN A-6A Intruder

152926

VA-176
USS Franklin D. Roosevelt
Crashed into water near Guitmo area near Bahama islands      
LTJG W. Bovitz
ejected
[thru canopy]
LTJG G. M. Ganson
[Grayson ?]

ejected
[thru canopy]
 
Aircraft crashed at sea en-route to Oceana after takeoff from USS FRANKLIN D.
ROOSEVELT . Crash occurred 1 hour, 10 minutes after takeoff. Pilot experienced "rudder
light illumination followed immediately by hard left yaw and uncontrollable flight. Both crew members ejected through the carry and were picked up by Navy crash boat with very minor injuries
29 September 1969


USMC

A-6A Intruder 155696 VMA(AW)‑242, MAG‑11, USMC, Da Nang Lost during a night‑time armed reconnaissance sortie over southern Laos  
MAJ Luther Albert Lono (KIA) 1.LT Patrick Robert Curran (KIA)
vw
 
Aircraft was reported missing while an a night reconnaissance armed mission. The stricken
aircraft lost radio contact with another aircraft in the target area at 2050 hours. Weather was 4 500 scattered, 7 miles haze. The fate of both crew members is unknown.
15 November 1969


USMC

A-6A Intruder 155701 VMA(AW)‑225, MAG‑11, USMC, Da Nang damaged by ground fire. Flew back to within eight miles of air base      
1LT D R Jessen
ejected
(survived)
1.LT R D Tutor
ejected
(survived)
 
Pilot felt bump or loud noise climbing through 500 feet altitude, approximately two miles from field after takeoff. Gear was up, flaps down, right engine fuel PSI light illuminated and right engine flamed out. Pilot jettisoned ordnance and declared emergency. Wing fuel was dumped, fuselage dump was not initiated. Pilot secured wing dump but fuel quantity continued to decrease rapidly. Crew then ejected through canopy at 2000 feet. Suspect direct enemy action due to recent enemy fire incidents in immediate area. Aircraft is in 50 feet of water.
?? ?? 1969
USN
A-6A Intruder   VA 145 Crashed on low bombing pass on Boardman Bombing Range      
Pilot CDR Richard "Dick" Walls
No ejection, hit the ground
   
FURTHER DETAILS OF THIS LOSS NEEDED

 

22nd November 1969


USN

A-6A Intruder 155613
VA-196
"Main Battery"
CV-64
USS Ranger
Wing failure about 15 miles south of the Ashau Valley in southern Laos.
 
 
 
 
CDR Lloyd W Richards
ejected
(survived)
LTJG Richard Carl Deuter (KIA)
vw
 
FEEDBACK

"We were in 50 degree dive bombing run when wing departed from aircraft due to  AA fire. I ejected at about 600 knots, B/N Dick Deuter did not make it. I hit the ground with panels torn out of parachute, broken neck, ankles and back. Rescued by Jolly Green and flown to Danang for further transport stateside"
Lloyd Richards
in email 14th January 2008

22 November 1969


USN

A-6A Intruder 155607
VA-196
"Main Battery"
USS Ranger
night armed reconnaissance mission over the Ho Chi Minh Trail  
LCDR Richard F Collins (KIA)
vw
LT Michael Edward Quinn (KIA)
vw
 

19th December 1969


USMC

A-6A Intruder

152646

VMA(AW)-332 Damaged      
     
26th December 1969


USN

A-6A Intruder 152891 VA‑35
USS Coral Sea
configured for a tanker sortie crashed in the Gulf of Tonkin      
LTJG Dustin Cowles Trowbridge
ejected

[Out of seat Envelope
thru canopy]
(KIA)
LTJG Walter Henry Kosky
ejected

[Out of seat Envelope
thru canopy]
(KIA)
vw
 
   

 

2nd January 1970
USN 
A‑6A Intruder BuNo 152937
NE 507
VA‑196; CVW-2 USS Ranger
CVA-61
 raid on a storage dump near the Mu Gia Pass in southern Laos Martin-Baker
Nicholas George Brooks
Died While Missing
LT Bruce Carlton Fryar  

04th January 1970


USN 
A‑6A Intruder

155639
AC-511

VA-75
USS Saratoga
       
LCDR W. F. Wagner
ejected
LCDR W. R. Westerman
[also seen as W. F. Westerman]
ejected
 

Friday 6th February 1970


USN 
A‑6A Intruder

155618
NE-516


VA-196
"Main Battery"
USS Ranger
CVA-61
CVW-2
Steel Tiger mission.
Lost a wing after AAA hit over Laos near Ban Kapay during attack on trucks near  Ban Kapay, 30 miles west of the DMZ
     
LCDR Evan P. Reese
ejected
LTJG D. R. Fraser
ejected
 
Rescued by HH-53 from 40th ARRS

Aircraft was on a night combat mission and was shot dawn by enemy AA while maneuvering in target area. Both crew members ejected successfully and were rescued by SAR.
 

16th February 1970


USN 
A‑6A Intruder

151815

VA-175
USS Franklin D Roosevelt
       
LTJG T. C. Williams
ejected
LTJG J. H. Hickok
ejected
 

28th February 1970


USN 
A‑6A Intruder

155605
NE-505


VA-196
"Main Battery"
USS Ranger
Caught fire during launch in Gulf of Tonkin      
LT R. R. Wittenberg
ejected
LT H. W. Paul
ejected
 
4th March 1970
USMC
A-6A Intruder 154165

VMFA(AW)-533
Iwakuni

       
1LT W. C. Cooper
ejected
1LT P. Horner
[also seen as Horna]
ejected
 
11th April 1970
also seen as 10th April 1970

USN
A-6A Intruder 155641 VA-75
USS Saratoga
After cat shot     Martin-Baker
 LT B. Bruce
also seen as
[LT B. L. Cook]

ejected
 LTJG O. Harris
ejected
Martin-Baker

DETAILS NEED CLARIFYING

Wednesday 22nd April 1970
USMC
A-6A Intruder 155614 VMA(AW)-533 South Korea during joint US/Korean exercise      
LT Robert Cothran
killed
??
killed
 

Friday 11th or 12th June 1970


USN
A-6A Intruder

156998

Attchd VA-145 Crashed at the Boardman Bombing Range, Northeast Oregon.      
LT James D. Maynard
ejected [confirm]
injured
LTJG William H. Van Stone Jr.
killed
 
21st August 1970
USN
A-6A Intruder 155593 VA-176 Near Petersburg, Virginia      
LT. A. Prydybasz
ejected
LT L. Roberts
ejected
 
Thursday 17th September 1970
USN
A-6 Intruder   Whidbey Island Routine training mission.      
LCDR Warren C. Clark Jr.
killed
LT Dick Littke
killed
 
FEEDBACK

RBS run-in SSE of Spokane, WA. Suspected cause was an un-commanded pitch down due to a failure of a horizontal tail accuator
in email 1st April 2010

20th September 1970
USN
A-6 Intruder            
LT L. Boaz
ejected
LTJG T. Connelly
ejected
 
                 
8th January 1971
USN
A‑6C Intruder 155647
NE 5

VA‑145; USS Ranger
CVA-61

Operational loss, ditched in front of USS Ranger shortly after launch, pilot killed. Gulf of Tonkin off NVN,      
Pilot did not eject
killed
BN LCDR G. Smith
ejected on impact
rescued