The is F-86D Sabre had been on a routine training mission
from Westover AFB, home to 337th FIS of Air Defence Command,
the jet took off from base at 2.25pm on 23rd January 1956 but
got into difficulties over Granby soon after taking off and dived
into a field off South Street, Granby, adj to the Orchard on the
farm of Lawrence Lyman, the pilots body was found 300 yards
from the impact crater.
Police Chief George Randall and Ambulance were soon at the
scene but nothing could be done for the unfortunate pilot.
The cause of the crash was undetermained at the time of the
news reports found on this crash, but it is thought a flameout
occurred.
Pilot : 2/Lt John D.Ritchie. Aged 20. of Lowell,MA.
The location was visited in Sept 2007 but access to the field
couldn`t be obtained because owners were away.
F-86D 337th FIS - Massachusetts
