Grumman FM-2 Wildcat, 57039 / 3646, National Museum of Naval Aviation
This picture is © Steve Homewood and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: 57039
Construction Number: 3646
Model Grumman FM-2 Wildcat
Operator: National Museum of Naval Aviation
Airport: Oshkosh - Wittman Regional (OSH / KOSH), USA - Wisconsin
Airshow: Oshkosh - EAA AirVenture - 2013
Photographer: Steve Homewood
Date Taken: 30/07/2013
Date Submitted: 17/08/2013
Grumman FM-2 Wildcat fighter that was recovered from Lake Michigan last December by A&T Recovery of Chicago. The General Motors-built FM-2, BuNo 57039, suffered engine failure while taking off from the carrier training ship, USS Sable on December 28, 1944. While the plane sat sinking it was run over by the Sable, severing the tail. The pilot, Ensign William Forbes, fortunately managed to escape both the sinking fighter and the oncoming ship before the airplane sank. The National Naval Aviation Museum have announced that the restoration of the warbird will be handled by the Air Zoo Museum of Kalamazoo, a project that is expected to take about five years and $1 million, funded by the NMNA's foundation.
Picture ID:1418018