
Aircobra being loaded to be transported to Lisbon
(Picture: Associação de Defesa do Património Histórico e Arqueológico de Aljezur)
Date
Location
Force
Aircraft
From-To
Crew
03-06-1943
Aljezur - Pego das Aguas
USAAF
Bell Aircobra P400 BX187
Portreath (GB) → Port Lyautey (Marroco)
Lt Richard Savoy USA
The pilot was in transit to North Africa in a group with other airmen and fighters following one bomber that was navigating them.
The problems started when the engine started to cut during the flight and the pilot, Richard Savoy, had to search a place to land.
The pilot hit the head in the cockpit. Although unconscious he did not suffered major injuries.
He was interned in Elvas some days latter.
The aircraft was transported to Lisbon in a truck and was certainly used as sparing parts for other Aircobra planes of the OK squadron of the Portuguese Aeronáutica Militar.
Resources:
* “Aviões da Cruz de Cristo” – Mário Canongia Lopes
* “Aviões da Cruz de Cristo” – Mário Cannongia Lopes
* Arquivo da Associação de Defesa do Património de Aljezur
* Report of Aircraft Accident - AFHRA
* Martin Gleeson