IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
AIRCRAFT DESCRIPTION: #
The CT-33 Silver Star, also known as the T-33 or “T-Bird,” was a jet trainer aircraft derived from the Lockheed P-80/F-80 fighter aircraft. It was widely used by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) for training pilots transitioning to jet aircraft during the mid-20th century. The CT-33 was known for its reliability and served as a primary trainer for many air forces worldwide.
HISTORY & FINAL INCIDENT: #
On a routine training mission, F/O John William Sandford encountered severe fog conditions, which severely limited visibility and made landing the CT-33 Silver Star (Serial No. 21457) extremely hazardous. As the fog prevented a safe landing, F/O Sandford made the difficult decision to bail out of the aircraft.
Tragically, despite successfully ejecting from the aircraft, F/O Sandford drowned, unable to survive the aftermath of the bailout. The dense fog not only hindered the landing but also complicated any rescue efforts that might have followed. This tragic incident underscores the significant risks faced by military aviators, particularly during periods of adverse weather when the technology of the time offered limited support in such dangerous conditions.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The CT-33 Silver Star (Serial No. 21457) was lost in the incident. The aircraft was written off following the crash. F/O John William Sandford, unfortunately, did not survive, and his death is a solemn reminder of the challenges and dangers inherent in military aviation.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by fog and other adverse weather conditions to aviation safety. The exact coordinates of the crash site were not detailed, likely due to the challenging conditions at the time.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The crash and subsequent loss of F/O Sandford were reported in the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix on April 4, 1956. Additional details are preserved in the RCAF Accident Card and noted by the Aviation Safety Network Website.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Saskatoon Star-Phoenix (4 April 1956, p1): Local newspaper reporting the incident.
- RCAF Accident Card 2155684034571: Official RCAF documentation of the accident.
- Aviation Safety Network Website: Information on aviation accidents and safety records.
KEYWORDS: #
CT-33 Silver Star, F/O John William Sandford, RCAF, Aircraft Crash, Bailout Incident, Fog-Related Crash, 1956 Aviation Accident.
ANALYSIS: #
The crash of the CT-33 Silver Star 21457 and the subsequent death of F/O John William Sandford illustrate the extreme challenges faced by military pilots, particularly when flying in adverse weather conditions like dense fog. This incident highlights the critical importance of advancements in weather forecasting, aircraft technology, and pilot training to enhance safety in such situations. F/O Sandford’s tragic death underscores the inherent risks of military aviation and the bravery of those who serve.
