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Wood, Chester Miles (Leading Aircraftman)

Killed in Flying Accident 1940-June-16

Birth Date: 1907-May-07 (age 33)

Son of Edward C. Wood and Grace A. Wood; brother of Noel C. Wood, of New York City, U.S.A.

Home: New York City, New York, USA

Service
RCAF
Unit
CFS- Central Flying School
Base
RCAF Trenton
Rank
Leading Aircraftman
Marshal
Air Chief MarshalA/C/M
Air MarshalA/M
Air Vice MarshalA/V/M
Air CommodoreA/C
Group CaptainG/C
Wing CommanderW/C
Squadron LeaderS/L
Flight LieutenantF/L
Flying OfficerF/O
Pilot OfficerP/O
Warrant Officer 1st ClassWO1
Warrant Officer 2nd ClassWO2
Flight SergeantFS
SergeantSGT
CorporalCPL
Senior AircraftmanSAC
Leading AircraftmanLAC
Aircraftman 1st ClassAC1
Aircraftman 2nd ClassAC2
Position
Pilot
Service Numbers
R/63779
RCAF Station, Trenton, Ontario. Leading Aircraftman Wood was killed when his Fleet Finch aircraft 4453 went into a spin and crashed at Consecon, Ontario.

Canada Source Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Find-A-Grave.com Finadagrave.com

Canada Primary Source Library and Archives Canada Service Files (may not exist)

Home
Google MapNew York City, New York, USA
Burial
Google MapWoodland Cemetery
Mil Plot Sec A Grave 56

Finch 4453

Fleet Finch

Fleet Finch Mk. IICanadian Warplane Heritage Museum

The Fleet Finch was the final version of a whole family of light biplane trainers, designed by Consolidated Aircraft of Buffalo, NY and intended for civilian use. Few of these aircraft were marketed under the Consolidated name, as most were sold through Fleet Aircraft Canada, under a range of model numbers. Only the RCAF gave any of these models names, calling the Model 7 the Fawn and the Model 16 the Finch. These aircraft were built from 1930 to 1941, all at Fort Erie, Ontario.

The Finch was developed to meet an RCAF requirement for a fully aerobatic, primary trainer. The RCAF ordered the first batch of aircraft in July 1939 and powered by a Kinner R5-2, 160 hp engine, they were designated the Fleet Finch Mk. I. Most of these aircraft were delivered to the RCAF Central Flying School at Trenton, Ontario by early 1940.

The RCAF placed a further order for primary trainers with Fleet in January 1940. The Fleet Finch Mk. II, powered by a Kinner B-5R, 130 hp engine, first flew from Fort Erie in March 1940. During the following year, over 400 Fleet Finch Mk. IIs were delivered to BCATP Elementary Flying Schools right across Canada.

The Fleet Finch was well liked by the RCAF as it was a rugged aircraft, was relatively easy to fly and withstood the abuse of novice pilots. Some Fleet Finches remained in service with the RCAF until 1947, but most were retired by October 1944. Their role as a primary trainer was taken over by Fairchild PT-26 Cornell. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

YouTube Fleet Finch

last update: 2021-09-07 16:39:39

Finch Finch II 4453

Category A damage at 11:00 on 16 June 1940 at Consecon, Ontario (near Trenton). Crashed from a spin, killing student Leading Aircraftman C.M. Wood of New York City. He is believed to be the first American citizen in the RCAF to die in a flying accident in the Second World War. Had 39:35 logged time when struck off.

1940-05-18 Taken on Strength RCAF Station 2019-08-20
1940-June-16 Accident: CENTRAL FLYING SCHOOL TRENTON Loc: Ameliasburg Consecon Ontario Names: Wood
1940-08-22 Struck off Strength Struck off, reduced to produce and spares 2019-08-20

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