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Nile Kinnick airplane crash correspondence, 1943-1972
1943-06-18: 31858060072406-07
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June 18, 1943 Lieut. Comdr., P. D. Buie, USN Fighting Squadron Sixteen Care of Fleet Post Office New York, New York Dear Sir: May we thank you sincerely for your letters in regard to Nile's tragic accident. The information given has been helpful to a degree to our understanding of what happened. However, it is likely we shall never know definitely the real reason why he was unable to save himself after his landing. We did not disclose any of the information included in your first letter, but we have noted in the press a story which must have been based on the same information. It will be appreciated if you will clarify one point for us. You stated that his landing was made about four miles ahead of the carrier. Do we assume correctly that his flight group had been on a practice flight ahead of the carrier and that the loss of oil pressure was noted at such distance from the ship that he lacked four miles of getting back to the carrier? It seems probable that he would attempt to return as soon as the difficulty was noted; otherwise, we cannot understand how he could be four miles away when he was forced to land. May we acknowledge the receipt of his wallet and its contents as given on the inventory of his effects. In regard to Nile's other property, I am enclosing a copy of the inventory sent to us with your letter of June 11th., and will ask that you forward all of the items indicated with a check mark. The other items, all of which are clothing, may be disposed of and the proceeds remitted to us. Your kindness in this regard will be appreciated. Yours very truly. N. C. Kinnick R. F. D. No. 1 1114 South 79th Street Omaha 4, Nebraska
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June 18, 1943 Lieut. Comdr., P. D. Buie, USN Fighting Squadron Sixteen Care of Fleet Post Office New York, New York Dear Sir: May we thank you sincerely for your letters in regard to Nile's tragic accident. The information given has been helpful to a degree to our understanding of what happened. However, it is likely we shall never know definitely the real reason why he was unable to save himself after his landing. We did not disclose any of the information included in your first letter, but we have noted in the press a story which must have been based on the same information. It will be appreciated if you will clarify one point for us. You stated that his landing was made about four miles ahead of the carrier. Do we assume correctly that his flight group had been on a practice flight ahead of the carrier and that the loss of oil pressure was noted at such distance from the ship that he lacked four miles of getting back to the carrier? It seems probable that he would attempt to return as soon as the difficulty was noted; otherwise, we cannot understand how he could be four miles away when he was forced to land. May we acknowledge the receipt of his wallet and its contents as given on the inventory of his effects. In regard to Nile's other property, I am enclosing a copy of the inventory sent to us with your letter of June 11th., and will ask that you forward all of the items indicated with a check mark. The other items, all of which are clothing, may be disposed of and the proceeds remitted to us. Your kindness in this regard will be appreciated. Yours very truly. N. C. Kinnick R. F. D. No. 1 1114 South 79th Street Omaha 4, Nebraska
Nile Kinnick Collection
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