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USN USN August 6, 1937  USN 1937 |
Aircraft History Built by Sikorsky during 1937 as a prototype for a new patrol bomber. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as XPBS-1 bureau number 9995. On August 13, 1937 first flight. During 1938, evaluated by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) but the Navy awarded the contract to Consolidated. Although not ordered for production, XPBS-1 remained in Navy service. No known nickname, nose art or markings. During 1939 temporarily operated by Patrol Wing Five (PatWing 5) based in Norfolk, Virginia. Next, assigned to Patrol Wing Two (PatWing 2) at Pearl Harbor. During 1940, assigned to transport squadron 2 (VR-2) based at NAS Alameda. Mission History On June 30, 1942 took off from Honolulu piloted by Lieutenant Thomas M. Roscoe on a flight bound for NAS Alameda. Aboard was passenger Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and his senior staff for a meeting with Navy leadership. While landing, the flying boat hit a submerged log that causing the flying boat to crash. Aboard, pilot Roscoe was killed in the crash and everyone aboard sustained injuries. Afterawards, the U.S. Attorney's office charged Bethlehem Steel Corporation's Alameda Shipbuilding for dumping debris into the Oakland estuary that caused the crash. Fates of the Crew Nimitz suffered scratches and abrasions from the crash. Lieutenant Sam Sherman was the first to arrive and rescued Nimitz from the sea. Nimitz suffered scratches and abrasions in the mishap and refused a blanket and a shot of brandy and ordered Sherman to immediately request divers to recover his hat from the wreckage. Sherman thought this was strange, but followed his command. When the hat was retrieved, Nimitz relaxed. Later on Guam, when Nimitz met then-Commander Sherman on Guam, he explained that his hat had a waterproof liner and inside were the top secret plans for the upcoming invasion of the Solomon Islands. Memorials Roscoe has an unknown burial in the United States. References Beaumont Journal "Shipyard Debris Cause of Crash Injuring Nimitz" by INS November 2, 1942 page 6 U.S. Naval Institute "Historic Aircraft - The Big Flying Boat" Volume 27, Number 2 March 2013 Contribute
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