USS Cowpens (CVL-25) Burning F6F Hellcat

Pilot evacuates his burning F6F-3 Hellcat fighter after landing unaware that it was on fire, during the Gilberts Operation, 24 November 1943. Firefighters are rushing to the plane, and put out the flames in a minute and a half, with no casualties. The fire started as the Hellcat approached Cowpens for an emergency landing. The pilot was Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Alfred W. Magee, Jr., USNR. The plane was Bureau # 66101. Right Click and choose "View Image" to enlarge.