Only six TBDs returned, but the six Avengers present at Midway also lost five aircraft and scored no torpedo hits. That result is strong evidence that a newer airframe could not cure the defective Mark 13 or the tactical conditions imposed on a torpedo run. Focusing blame on the older aircraft concealed the absent escort and procurement decisions that sent crews into a highly exposed attack profile with a weapon already known to be troublesome. The TBD attacks also drew Japanese fighters down and consumed their attention before the American dive bombers arrived. The aircraft's sacrifice contributed indirectly to victory while becoming a convenient explanation for institutional failures that extended well beyond Douglas's design.
Notable Point · 58:25-1:00:31
Blaming the TBD obscured Midway's systemic failures
The newer Avenger suffered similarly at Midway, while TBD attacks helped pull Japanese fighters down before the dive bombers arrived.