Fatal Accident (1) – Grumman F9F-2 Panther, 125152, Camp Elliott, San Diego, CA, January 20, 1955
OFFICIAL PRELIMINARY REPORT: Report Not Available
OFFICIAL FINAL REPORT: Report Not Available
SOURCE Report:
On January 20, 1955, a U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-2 Panther, Bureau Number 125152, assigned to Fighter Squadron 53 (VF-53), crashed near Camp Elliott in San Diego, California, during a routine flight. The aircraft, piloted by Lieutenant Douglas Mosser, departed from Naval Air Station Miramar and was on approach for landing when the accident occurred. Witness reports indicated that a wing detached from the aircraft during the descent, causing it to lose control and crash into the Navy Retraining Command prison area at Camp Elliott. The crash ignited a warehouse fire and scattered debris, though none of the 900 prisoners or ground personnel were injured. The pilot did not survive the accident.
Fighter Squadron 53 (VF-53), to which the aircraft was assigned, had a distinguished history as a unit within the U.S. Navy’s carrier air wing. Initially established during World War II, VF-53 was involved in various missions, including air combat and ground support operations. By the 1950s, the squadron was equipped with the Grumman F9F Panther, a pivotal aircraft in the transition to jet-powered naval aviation. VF-53 played a significant role in training pilots and maintaining operational readiness during the Cold War era, with a focus on carrier-based operations and fleet defense.
The Grumman F9F Panther, introduced in the late 1940s, was one of the U.S. Navy’s first carrier-based jet fighters. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney J42 turbojet engine, the aircraft could achieve a maximum speed of approximately 575 miles per hour and had an operational range of about 1,353 miles. Armed with four 20 mm cannons and capable of carrying bombs or rockets, the Panther saw extensive use during the Korean War, where it demonstrated versatility in air-to-air and ground-attack missions. The F9F series was instrumental in advancing naval aviation technology and training during the early jet age.
Lieutenant Douglas Mosser, the pilot, was a 31-year-old aviator based in La Jolla, California. He was survived by his wife, Ann; their one-year-old son, Bruce; and his mother, Mrs. Anna S. Mosser of Chinook, Montana. Lt. Mosser had a commendable service record and was experienced in flying jet aircraft, including the F9F Panther. His contributions to naval aviation and his dedication to duty were noted by his peers and commanding officers.
The accident occurred as the aircraft approached Miramar Naval Air Station. During the descent, structural failure led to the detachment of a wing, rendering the aircraft uncontrollable. The crash site, located near U.S. Highway 395 and approximately one mile from the Miramar runway, included a warehouse within the Navy Retraining Command’s Camp Elliott. The facility, used for detaining Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard prisoners, sustained damage to its infrastructure, but no additional casualties were reported.
Investigations into the crash focused on the structural integrity of the Grumman F9F-2 Panther. Early jet aircraft like the Panther were subject to rigorous stress tests, but operational use revealed vulnerabilities, especially under high-load conditions. The loss of Lt. Mosser’s aircraft highlighted the need for ongoing evaluation and enhancement of naval aviation equipment. The Navy’s inquiry emphasized the importance of maintenance, inspection protocols, and pilot training to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Grumman F9F-2 Panther remained a cornerstone of U.S. Navy aviation throughout the 1950s. Its design served as the basis for subsequent aircraft, such as the swept-wing F9F-8 Cougar. Despite its limitations, the Panther was celebrated for its reliability and effectiveness during a pivotal era in military aviation. Lessons learned from incidents like the Camp Elliott crash contributed to advancements in aircraft design, operational safety, and structural engineering.
The Camp Elliott crash serves as a somber reminder of the challenges faced during the early jet age. It underscores the inherent risks involved in pioneering military aviation technology and the dedication of service members like Lt. Mosser, who played a vital role in advancing naval aviation capabilities. The legacy of the F9F Panther and the personnel who flew it continues to influence modern military aviation practices.
Aircraft Operator:
United States Navy
Video(s):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zBM5NrTXHM
Accident Location:
Camp Elliott, San Diego, CA, January 20, 1955
32°52′48″N 117°9′7″W (https://g.co/kgs/eyR4r2y)
ASN:
https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/282535
USN Registration:
125152
Year of Manufacture:
1950
The Grumman F9F-2 Panther with Bureau Number 125152 was part of a production batch manufactured in 1950. As an early jet-powered naval fighter, it was powered by a Pratt & Whitney J42 turbojet engine, a licensed version of the Rolls-Royce Nene. This aircraft was equipped with four 20 mm M3 cannons and could carry bombs or rockets, making it versatile for both air-to-air combat and ground-attack missions.
This particular aircraft was assigned to Fighter Squadron 53 (VF-53), operating out of Naval Air Station Miramar, California. VF-53 was renowned for its carrier-based operations and played a crucial role during the early Cold War period. The squadron frequently trained with the Grumman Panther, which was pivotal for fleet defense and close air support missions.
On January 20, 1955, the F9F-2 Panther 125152 was involved in a fatal accident while approaching NAS Miramar for landing. Witnesses reported that the aircraft experienced structural failure, with a wing detaching mid-flight, causing the jet to lose control. The crash occurred near Camp Elliott, a Navy Retraining Command area, where it ignited a warehouse fire. Despite significant property damage, no ground personnel were harmed in the incident.
The pilot, Lieutenant Douglas Mosser, was a 31-year-old experienced aviator stationed in La Jolla, California. Lt. Mosser had a commendable service record and was known for his dedication to naval aviation. He left behind his wife, Ann, their one-year-old son, Bruce, and his mother, Mrs. Anna S. Mosser, of Chinook, Montana. His loss was deeply felt among his peers and commanding officers.
The F9F Panther series, including the 125152, was introduced in 1949 and became a mainstay of U.S. Navy aviation during the Korean War. It marked the transition from piston-engine aircraft to jets and demonstrated versatility in missions ranging from armed reconnaissance to close air support. The Panther’s straight-wing design and reliability made it a critical asset during its service period.
Investigations into the crash of 125152 highlighted the structural challenges of early jet-powered aircraft. The detachment of the wing emphasized the stresses placed on these designs during operational use. This incident underscored the need for continued advancements in structural engineering and rigorous inspection protocols for naval aircraft.
The Grumman F9F Panther’s legacy extends beyond its service period. It served as a foundation for subsequent designs, such as the swept-wing F9F-8 Cougar. Lessons learned from its operational history and incidents like the Camp Elliott crash contributed to significant improvements in military aviation safety and technology. The legacy of pilots like Lt. Mosser and aircraft like the Panther remains an integral part of naval aviation history.
SN/Military Registration/BUNO:
125152
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National Report(s):
Archived
Local Report(s):
The San Bernardino Daily Sun, San Bernardino, California, Friday 21 June 1955, Vol. LXI, No. 123, p. 3.
https://www.alsresume.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/125152-News-Report.pdf
Image Reference(s):
https://cdn2.picryl.com/photo/1951/12/31/f9f-2-vf-721-over-yonpo-air-base-1951-221320-640.jpg
The San Bernardino Daily Sun, San Bernardino, California, Friday 21 June 1955, Vol. LXI, No. 123, p. 3.
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