From - Lt. White's Squadron history

22 Nov 1944 - Saipan

Accident caused by co-pilot’s raising landing gear prematurely on take off. When co-pilot felt the airplane leave the ground, he glanced at the air speed indicator, which read 110 mph, and without proper authority, began to raise the landing gear. Co-pilot stated that his reaction must have been prompted by the apparent nearness of the end of the runway. The A/P settled back on the runway. The right landing gear was partially retracted by this time and the aircraft settled down until unable to control it’s speed, the number 4 propellor dug into the ground. Pilot hit the left brake in an endeavor to keep plane traveling straight ahead. The plane pulled to the right and the tail swung in an arc to the left. It avoided parked vehicles and personnel, and came to a stop at the end of the runway. The Plane was totally demolished. Three crew members received superficial wounds. The plane was piloted by Carrol W. Prosser and was scheduled for Truk mission # 30-70.

Carroll W. Prosser