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Aircraft Lost After Cannon Fire During Pacific Ocean Simulation (39334)

Pacific Ocean, WorldFlight

On May 24, 1950, a Lockheed P-2 Neptune (registration 39334) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Pacific Ocean, World in flight. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During a low-altitude aerial attack simulation over the Pacific Ocean, ricocheting cannon fire damaged an engine nacelle. The crew made an emergency landing 200 miles southwest of Cape Flattery, Washington, and was rescued, but the aircraft was lost.

Incident Overview and Context The incident occurred while the crew was conducting a simulated aerial attack over the Pacific Ocean. The aircraft was operating at a low altitude during the exercise when the crew employed a 20 mm cannon for gunnery practice. ## Damage and Emergency Response Several bullets struck the water and ricocheted, impacting the engine nacelle. The damage necessitated an emergency landing, which was completed approximately 200 miles southwest of Cape Flattery, Washington State. ## Outcome All crew members were successfully rescued following the emergency landing. Despite the safe recovery of the personnel, the aircraft was lost.

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