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A U.S. Navy Grumman F4F-3 in early 1942.(Photo US Navy)

The pilot of the Grumman FM-2 Wildcat AX733 (registered G-KINL) was seriously wounded in a crash at Heveningham Hall near Halesworth, Suffolk, in the United-Kingdom.

Thankfully, the few available sources seem to indicate that the pilot’s injuries were non-life-threatening and that he has left the hospital.

The aircraft made its first post-restoration flight only a few months ago after a six-year restoration.

We wish the pilot a speedy and full recovery !

Sources:

• Daily Mail | Vintage World War Two fighter plane crashes on billionaire Foxtons founder’s country estate
• Aviation-Safety.net

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The wreckage of the aircraft carrier USS Lexington was located by the research vessel RV Petrel on 4 March 2018 during an expedition led by Paul Allen. The “Lady Lex” was America’s second aircraft carrier, and the first one lost in combat. She was badly damaged by Japanese attacks on 8 May 1942 and scuttled by the destroyer USS Phelps to prevent her capture by the enemy.

She lies some 3,000 meters below the surface approximately 430 nautical miles off Queensland. A remotely-operated underwater vehicle captured remarkable footage of the Lady Lex, and also discovered seven TBD Devastators, three SBD Dauntless and a single F4F Wildcat.

These aircraft are in a remarkable state of preservation, probably due to the great depth. The F4F Wildcat, belonging to VF-3 and carrying the number F-5, can be seen with 4 Japanese “kill markings” beneath the cockpit.

More photos and information can be found on Paul Allen’s website.

Continue reading]]> A 1943 FM-2 Wildcat (Grumman F4F built under license by General Motors) will be joining the ranks of the Shuttleworth Collection next year. The aircraft, N49JC (s/n 51-235), was once part of the US Navy Museum in Pensacola. Photos of the FM-2 can be found on courtesyaircraft.com.

Edit: a visitor tells us that the aircraft is actually BuNo 86690 and that the s/n is invalid. See comments.