Question about P-40 in WWII…

[WriterGirl]

I am researching an airman who was KIA in 1943 while piloting his P-40 from Pinellas AAF in St. Petersburg during advanced combat training. He was towing a target when his engine failed and his aircraft went down over the water.

So here's my question—what does "towing a target" mean in this context? Also, any insight or guesses about why there was engine failure in this situation?

Thanks so much. I just want to make sure I understand what's happening while I'm researching.

 

[FLYBOYJ]

I am researching an airman who was KIA in 1943 while piloting his P-40 from Pinellas AAF in St. Petersburg during advanced combat training. He was towing a target when his engine failed and his aircraft went down over the water.

So here's my question—what does "towing a target" mean in this context? Also, any insight or guesses about why there was engine failure in this situation?

Thanks so much. I just want to make sure I understand what's happening while I'm researching.

Target towing is/was just that. An aircraft towed a streamer or banner while pilots practicing gunnery practice shot at it.

The engine failure could have happened for a number of reasons. I'm sure someone here might be able to find an accident report

 

[fubar57]

Is this the pilot you are researching?

 

[Greg Boeser]

I am researching an airman who was KIA in 1943 while piloting his P-40 from Pinellas AAF in St. Petersburg during advanced combat training. He was towing a target when his engine failed and his aircraft went down over the water.

So here's my question—what does "towing a target" mean in this context? Also, any insight or guesses about why there was engine failure in this situation?

Thanks so much. I just want to make sure I understand what's happening while I'm researching.

If you have his name, try the database at aviationarcheology.com.
I pulled up 14 fatal accidents in 1943.
If you know the pilot's name, you could pinpoint the accident and order the crash report.

 

[WriterGirl]

Target towing is/was just that. An aircraft towed a streamer or banner while pilots practicing gunnery practice shot at it.

View attachment 688905

The engine failure could have happened for a number of reasons. I'm sure someone here might be able to find an accident report

Thank you so much! Exactly what I needed. Much appreciated.

 

[WriterGirl]

Is this the pilot you are researching?

View attachment 688908

View attachment 688909​

Yes, this is the pilot I am researching. Appreciate the research! I will check out ordering the accident report. Many thanks.

 

[MIflyer]

It could be a somewhat hazardous mission. As one tow target pilot put it in a radio communication, "Hey! Tell those gunners I am towing that target, not pushing it!"

 

[Shortround6]

It could be a somewhat hazardous mission. As one tow target pilot put it in a radio communication, "Hey! Tell those gunners I am towing that target, not pushing it!"

However long the tow rope is, it won't be long enough for some gunners.

 

[Buz101]

Writergirl

Sorry about the late reply, if you haven't already ordered the report, it can be obtain for free if you're willing to wait a few days, by ordering directly from the AFHRA. Let me know if you want to use this route and I can step you through it

Buz