ALGER-DAVID

DIED  IN  AIRCRAFT  CRASH

On January 29, 1972, Grumman C-2A Greyhound BuNo 155122, a carrier onboard delivery aircraft, crashed while attempting to land on the carrier USS Independence in the Mediterranean Sea.  Readily available historical records do not give details concerning the accident and are inconsistent concerning the individuals who were aboard the aircraft.  All records report the two pilots were LT David E, Alger and LT Kenneth M. Garton, who were trapped in the cockpit.  Both failed to escape the aircraft which sank in several minutes and their bodies were not recovered.  Some records state the two pilots were the only individuals aboard the plane whereas other records report there were eight unnamed passengers who were able to evacuate.

Lt Alger was reportedly survived by his wife who was living in Naples, Italy.  Unfortunately, available historical records failed to reveal any information concerning LT Alger in addition to the accident.

Submitted by CDR Roy A. Mosteller, USNR (Ret)