P-510 Mustang 9555

The Tragic Loss of RCAF P-51 Mustang #9555 near Timber Island, Lake Ontario

On June 10, 1952, a tragic accident involving a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) P-51 Mustang #9555 unfolded over the waters of Lake Ontario, east of Trenton, Ontario. The aircraft, a North American Mustang IV, was piloted by Flying Officer (FO) Barry Newman, who was conducting a high-altitude test flight. This routine mission ended in catastrophe, resulting in the loss of the aircraft and the life of the pilot.

The Incident #

FO Barry Newman took off from RCAF Trenton, Ontario, on a high-altitude test flight in the P-51 Mustang #9555, a robust and agile aircraft widely respected for its service during and after World War II. During the flight, the Mustang was observed by three sets of witnesses at different locations as it suddenly went into a high-speed vertical dive from a significant altitude.

As the aircraft hurtled toward the earth, it appeared that FO Newman regained some control at approximately 2,000 feet, managing to pull out of the dive. However, the recovery was brief. The aircraft flipped over, veered right, and then suffered a catastrophic failure when its starboard wing detached from the fuselage. Without one of its wings, the Mustang was doomed; it plunged violently into Lake Ontario, disintegrating just before and upon impact with the water.

Search and Recovery Efforts #

The aftermath of the crash saw immediate response efforts. Rescue boats were quickly dispatched to the crash site near Timber Island, approximately 30 miles east of Trenton. They managed to recover the detached wing, an oxygen tank, and several smaller fragments of the aircraft. Despite extensive grappling operations, only the propeller was retrieved from the lake’s depths. Tragically, FO Newman’s remains, along with the fuselage and engine, were never found.

Investigation and Cause #

A Board of Inquiry was convened to determine the cause of the accident. After reviewing the evidence, the Board concluded that the probable cause of the crash was pilot anoxia—a condition caused by insufficient oxygen—likely due to a mechanical failure in the aircraft’s oxygen system while FO Newman was at an altitude of 20,000 feet. Anoxia can lead to confusion, loss of consciousness, and ultimately, loss of control, which tragically appears to have been the case in this incident.

Legacy #

The loss of FO Barry Newman and Mustang #9555 is a somber reminder of the risks faced by military pilots, even during peacetime operations. The P-51 Mustang, a legendary aircraft with a storied history, was involved in numerous high-risk activities, including high-altitude test flights like the one FO Newman was undertaking. This accident underscores the importance of oxygen systems in high-altitude flight and the potentially fatal consequences when such systems fail.

Though much of the wreckage remains at the bottom of Lake Ontario, the recovered parts serve as a testament to the valiant efforts of FO Newman and the RCAF during an era of significant advancements in military aviation. The incident is also a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by military personnel in maintaining and operating complex aircraft under demanding conditions.

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Historical Photo Gallery

• 1Aviation Safety Network
  • Website: Aviation Safety Network
  • Description: This database provides detailed records of aviation accidents and incidents, including those involving military aircraft. Searching for the date and type of aircraft might yield relevant results.
• Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Historical Resources
  • Website: RCAF History
  • Description: The RCAF’s official site may have archives, reports, or historical articles detailing accidents involving its aircraft. You might need to contact them directly for specific incidents.
• Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
  • Website: Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
  • Description: This museum houses numerous exhibits and historical data on Canadian military aircraft, including the P-51 Mustang. They may have resources or archives detailing this specific incident.
• Archives of Ontario
  • Website: Archives of Ontario
  • Description: The provincial archives may hold military records, accident reports, and other documents related to aviation incidents in Ontario, including those near Lake Ontario.
• Canadian Aviation Historical Society (CAHS)
  • Website: Canadian Aviation Historical Society
  • Description: CAHS is a valuable resource for researching Canadian aviation history. They publish journals and articles, some of which may cover military aviation incidents like the one involving the Mustang #9555.
•  Historical Newspapers
  • Resource: Access to historical newspapers through services like Newspapers.com or local libraries
  • Description: Contemporary newspaper accounts from 1952 might provide additional details about the crash, rescue efforts, and subsequent investigations.
• The National Archives of Canada
  • Website: Library and Archives Canada
  • Description: This national resource holds extensive records, including military records, accident reports, and inquiries, which may contain detailed information about the crash of Mustang #9555.
• Accident Reports and Military Records
  • Resource: Military and government archives often hold official accident investigation reports that are sometimes declassified after a certain period.
  • Description: These can be accessed through formal requests or by visiting government archives that house military records.