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This photograph of Lt. Bakalar was taken a few days before his fatal crash, most likely in the same P-51D that failed him on take-off ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Description of Accident Brief narrative of accident. Include state of responsibility and recommendations for action to prevent repetition. 1. On 1 Sept. 1944, 1st Lt. John Bakalar taxiied out for take-off on an operational mission. As he gave the aircraft throttle for take-off, coolant was observed coming out left and right bank exhaust stacks. Just as the aircraft cleared the end of the runway the engine faltered and lost power rapidly. The pilot had no alternative other than to crash land the aircraft in a grove of trees. injuries to the pilot were fatal. The aircraft was demolished. 2. Subsequent lengthy investigations reveled the accident was caused by 100% material failure. Letters and photographs attached heron set forth the nature of the material failure in detail. 3. Recommendations-None This document was signed by: Leo E. Carver, Capt., AC, Robert J. Brooks, Major, AC and Glendon J. Buer, Capt., AC ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C-E-R-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-E (F-14) 3 Sept. 44. Investigating the accident of FT-J, aircraft serial number 44-13895, I found the aircraft had crashed into a pine grove. The crash had completely demolished the airplane and it became a total loss. The engine was removed from the scene of accident and carefully examined. A faulty casting of the first stage supercharger housing was found. This allowed coolant to seep past the seal into the induction system, causing engine failure. Coolant was found in the induction manifold in considerable quantities in three cylinders. Evidence of coolant was found on all plugs. The cause of the accident is faulty material. Attached is a photo of the defective part. This document was completed by John Kohopka, 1st Lt., AC, Gp Engineering C. with Eldon E. Posey 1st Lt., AC, Ass't Oprs Officer signature
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- E-CB-3 353RD FIGHTER SQUADRON 354TH FIGHTER GROUP APO 141, U S Army, 1 September 1944 C E R T I F I C A T E THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT I, IST LT., CARL G. BICKEL, AUTHORIZED THE FLIGHT ON WHICH IST LT., JOHN E. BAKALAR, IN P-51D-5, AAF NO. 44-13895, HAD AN ACCIDENT WHILE TAKEING OFF ON AN OPERATIONAL MISSION. THE ACCIDENT WAS FATAL TO THE PILOT. This document was signed by Carl G. Bickel, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Operations Officer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Note: Some of the words in the official reports were spelled incorrectly and left as such in these report excerpts for authenticity. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lt. Bakalar in front of the Grant Hotel in San Diego June 1942 and standing in the center with a couple of friends. |
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This page contains excerpts from
official Army Air Corps documents that will help explain the circumstances of
1st Lt. John "Buck" Bakalar's fatal crash in his P-51D on September 1,
1944
