October 12, 1941, OS2U-3, 5351, crash in Southeastern, Arizona

October 12, 1941, OS2u-3, 5351, crash in southeastern, Arizona

Sky Island: Chiricahua Mountains

OS2U-3 was on a ferry flight from NAS New York to NAS San Diego. The Kingfisher departed El Paso on the way to Tucson. The crash occurred at dusk in the Chiricahua Mountains. The left wing of the plane struck a tree moments before the aircraft crashed into the mountain. According to the aircraft record card, the striking of the tree threw passenger RM1C Roher out of the aircraft saving his life. Pilot Sgt. McMahon was killed in the crash.

Broke my camera on this hike (I’m talking old school 35mm camera). Might post more pictures if I ever make it back to the crash site.

Small scattered debris from the Kingfisher.

Remains of the radial engine.

Remains of engine and engine mount.

U.S. Navy photo of OS2U being hauled back on deck.