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August 5, 1946 - August 27, 1970
Seattle Times - August 29, 1970
Seattle Navy Pilot in plane crash
Lt (j.g.) Michael K McCarthy, 24, of Seattle was lost at sea when his light jet attack aircraft crashed off the California Coast Thursday night.
McCarthy, son of Mr and Mrs. Timothy D. McCarthy was flying an A-7B Corsair II when it crashed after it was launched from the aircraft carrier Hancock, west of San Francisco, the Navy said.
It was believed there was an explosion. A search turned up nothing. McCarthy, a 1968 Washington State University graduate, entered active duty two years ago. He was stationed at the Lemoor Naval Air Station. His wife, Andres, and their month-old daughter, Erin, survive.
Also surviving are a brother, Sean, at home; a sister, Mrs. Don (Shannon) Fullenwider, Los Angeles; another brother Terrance McCarthy, Renton and his maternal grandfather, Ray C. Cissna, Seattle.
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Bob Beveridge
I would like to offer what I know about Mike's death, although I don't remember the exact date. I have sent an email to the Navy asking for details, but have not heard back as yet.I believe Mike died at the controls of his Navy jet as a result of a crash at sea off Oahu in 1969 or 1970. I remember the incident because my submarine was in the area at the time and we were tasked to conduct a search and rescue for downed Navy pilot. The plane was found before we got there so we returned to Pearl Harbor.
I saw an article in the Honolulu newspaper that weekend reporting that the pilot was Mike McCarthy, and I believe it included a photograph of Mike. I wish I could provide a certain date and confirmation, but the Honolulu newspaper electronic files do not go back that far. I will provide an update when I hear back from the Navy.
If anyone has more certain information, please update this file.
Tim Jones (Jones)
Hello Bob,My dad was a close friend of Mike's dad (Tim McCarthy). Dad told me it was a carrier landing accident. I assume dad's infomation came straight from Tim. I'm also searching for details under freedom of information and will post them here.
We might also try to locate Mike's sister Shannon. Can't remember if Shannon was older or younger? Perhaps some of you might have known Shannon?
Rosalie Gordi Eiring (Bergquist)
I remember Mike very well. He and I went to Youth Group at church frequently. I remember when the accident happened (but not the exact date). My mom was very worried about me when the notice came out in the paper because she knew I liked him so much. One of my sons has the middle name of Michael in memory of Mike.Gordi (Eiring) Bergquist
Waynne Blue (James)
I just checked the SSDI and if Mike was born 5 Aug 1946, according to the Social Security information, Michael McCarthy died in August 1970--if that helps to narrow down his death date.Linda Pompeo (Worden)
Mike may have been short in stature, but he was big in the eyes of all who knew him.
Thank you for your military service Mike.