Ex N999AR, N1022G, CF-VIG, N788C, CF-VIG, N9588C, USN 46662. Still current in 2023, registered to Liberty Aviation Museum, Ohio. Seen here after landing on Plymouth Sound, to celebrate the arrival of a US Navy Curtiss NC-TA flying boat NC-4 in Plymouth on 31 May 1919, and the 75th anniversary of US Naval aviation.

Ex N691RF, CF-OWE, RCAF 11074. Became N222FT and still current in 2023. What I took to be (and hoped was) a flypast before touch down turned out to be a too-high landing approach, which very nearly ended in tragedy when it struck a buoy, tearing off the port wingtip.

Seen performing at the 1972 Plymouth Air Show, held over Plymouth Sound. Preserved at East Midlands Aeropark since 1987. Civil registration as G-BLMC was reserved but not taken up.

Visiting A386 RFA 'Fort Austin' in Plymouth Sound prior to Sea King HAS.6 trials in the north Atlantic. Operated by the Ministry of Defence (Procurement Executive).

USS Wasp CVS-18 visiting Plymouth August 1970

USS Wasp CVS-18 visiting Plymouth August 1970

This Catalina hit a steel buoy on landing in Plymouth Sound.

After a smooth if rather late touchdown this Catalina veered starboard and smashed its port wingtip and float off on a steel harbour buoy. It spun round ,started shipping water and had to be towed to a slipway where it sank. Rebuilt at the old RAF Mount Batten seaplane base in the sound it was flown out some months later. Owner Bob Franks and passengers weren't seriously hurt, and the Catalina was still flying by 2020 (as N222FT).

This PBY Catalina executed a text book landing in Plymouth sound after crossing the Atlantic in a flight commemorating the US Navy crossing with Curtiss NC-4s. Its companion C-FOWE crashed on landing and partially sank without serious injury to those on board.

A long smooth approach followed by a spectacular but non fatal collision with a marker buoy. This was one of two PBY Catalinas celebrating 75 years of US Naval Aviation with a recreation of a 1919 Atlantic crossing by USN Curtiss NC flying-boats. Owned by Robert Franks.