Grumman F6F Hellcat
F6F-3 Bu# 42746
21 AUG 45
5 miles north of Rodeo NM

The F6F was being ferried to the west coast and flown along an airway while a B-25 crew practicing instrument flight intersected the airway. The F6F struck the tail of the B-25 and spiraled to the ground. Ensign Russell Chitwood bailed out of the F6F only 200 feet above the ground and did not survive the jump. The B-25 was able to safely land at Douglas Army Air Field.

AAIR team inspecting the crash site.
Nothing but small pieces remained. At the top is part of the rudder pedal with Grumman on it.