Here is another death of a serviceman, 2nd Lt. Leland D. Jewell, whose death by propeller contact, occurred November 17, 1943, at Galveston Army Air Field.
Waiting in line for takeoff at Galveston Army Air Field, instructor pilot, 2nd Lt. Frank P. Hill and 2nd Lt. Lyle W. Scott, pilot, B-17F, 42-5270, were attempting to make radio contact with B-17F, 42-30599, the aircraft in front of them. This aircraft was holding up take-off of 42-5270 and others behind it. Not able to make radio contact, Lt. Hill asked Lt. Leland D. Jewell, co-pilot, who was standing behind the pilot seat, to go check on the problem with 42-30599. Following the suggestion, Lt. Jewell exited the aircraft through the bombardier’s escape hatch on the left front of the aircraft. In less than two or three minutes, they felt a vibration of Number 2 propeller. Looking out his window, Lt. Scott saw Lt. Jewell lying on the ramp. Lt. Hill, the instructor pilot, immediately cut the ignition, killing the engines and alerted the control tower of the accident. Exiting the aircraft, they found Lt. Jewell had been struck on the right side of his skull and was bleeding profusely from the major wound. The accident happened at approximately 0830 Central War Time.
The ambulance and flight surgeon, Major Leo J. Cogan, arrived quickly. Lt. Jewell had major head injuries requiring hospital service beyond that available at Fort Crockett Hospital, Galveston, where he was first taken. From there, he was rapidly transported to the Scott-White hospital in Temple, Texas where he died.
The Accident Investigation Committee speculated that the accident, based on information from the Flight Surgeon, probably happened thusly: “Lt. Jewell emerged from the hatch with his back toward the nose of the plane while all four engines were idling. While in a crouched position, he is presumed to have turned to the right and was struck on the right side of his head by the tip of one blade of Number 2 propeller. Due to the nature of the accident, no statement of responsibility or recommendation can be made.” Common sense indicates carelessness played a big part in the tragedy.
My father(whom has passed away) was a army air force instructor pilot from 1942 to 1944, His name was 2nd. Lt. Frank A. Hill. He was stationed in Texas,while he trained other pilots. You mentioned in your story a 2nd. Lt. Frank P. Hill. Are you sure of the middle P. is correct? Thank You, his surviving son.
ReplyDeleteI will check it out with the persons I received the information from and see what I can find out. Thanks for contacting us.
DeleteI have been given the following information for 2nd Lt. Frank P. Hill, "According to the official War Department accident report, Lt. Hill is listed as Frank P. Hill. His US Army serial number was O-445427 if his son would like to compare his father's serial number to that. The War Department
Deletereports may have mistakes on them on occasion and the serial number would be a good check. If his dad's number is the same then I would assume that the "P" is a mistake. Otherwise, the "P" is the right middle initial. You mentioned that your dad instructed in Texas. This accident happened in Texas but he was stationed at Ardmore Army Air Field at the time. The Ardmore aircraft was there on a high altitude gunnery training mission over the Gulf of Mexico."
Thanks for looking into the above question, my dad's s/n was not the one you had mentioned. Gary Hill
ReplyDelete