Martin PBM Mariner

While conducting a night maritime patrol flight, the seaplane apparently crashed into the Sea off the Kerama Islands. No trace of the aircraft nor the 12 crew members was found. It is believed the aircraft was shot down by enemy fire.

The floatplane assigned to VPB-2 (OTU#3) departed Banana River NAS in the early evening of July 9 on a maritime patrol flight over the Sargasso Sea, outbound to Great Exuma (Moss Town). At 2115LT, the captain informed ground that he was approaching New Providence Island, Bahamas, and that the ETA would be 0215LT. This was the last radio transmission. SAR operations were conducted for 21 days on a large area but no trace of the aircraft nor the 12 occupants was ever found. It is believed that the airplane crashed into the sea some 10 NM north of Paradise Island, New Providence. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were poor with thunderstorm activity over the area.

While on a maritime patrol flight over the Yellow Sea, the crew encountered engine problems and the captain elected to make an emergency landing. The seaplane hit the water surface and sank about 100 miles off Mokpo. Five crew members were rescued while five others were killed.

On approach, the seaplane was too low and hit a beacon and crashed. All seven crew members were killed.

While approaching Okinawa, the seaplane was shot down by Japanese fire and crashed into the Tsushima Strait, killing all 14 crew members.

While conducting a maritime patrol flight, the seaplane was shot down by Japanese fire and crashed into the China Sea, killing all 10 crew members.

Shortly after takeoff from Banana River NAS, while climbing, both engines lost power. The aircraft stalled and crashed into the ocean several hundred yards off shore. Two crewmen were killed while six others were injured.

The crew was performing a training sortie from NAS Kaneohe. Enroute, a fire broke out on the right wing, between the right engine and the wing root. The pilot lost control of the seaplane that crashed into the sea few miles offshore. Rescue teams were on site a day later and were able to evacuate three wounded crew while nine others were killed.

Shortly after takeoff from North Island-Halsey Field NAS, while in initial climb, the crew retracted the flaps when the aircraft stalled and crashed into the Bay of San Diego. All eight crew members were killed.

The crew was taking part to the attack of a Japanese ship while approaching the target, the seaplane was shot down by enemy fire and crashed into the Pacific Ocean, killing all 12 crew members.