Crash of a Martin PBM-1 Mariner into the Atlantic Ocean: 12 killed

Date & Time: Jun 3, 1942
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
1250
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
1250
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
12
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
12
Circumstances:
The crew was involved in a SAR mission following the sinking of the USS Westmoreland sunk by the German U-Boat U-566. While flying at low altitude, the seaplane crashed in unknown circumstances some 100 km off Hamilton. No trace of the aircraft nor the 12 crew members was ever found. The aircraft was believed to have been caught in a downdraft at approximately 37° N and 66° W.

Crash of a Martin PBM Mariner Flying Boat near Krísuvík: 12 killed

Date & Time: Nov 2, 1941
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
1248
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Keflavik - Keflavik
MSN:
1248
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
12
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
12
Circumstances:
The crew was engaged in a maritime patrol flight over the Atlantic Ocean. Following an uneventful mission, the floatplane was returning to base when pilots encountered poor weather conditions over the destination area. After circling the base while awaiting visibility improvement, the captain attempted a visual approach as no instruments were available at that time. While descending to a height of 800 feet, the seaplane impacted the slope of a mountain located near Krísuvík, some 25 km southeast of Keflavik Airport. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and all 12 occupants were killed.
Crew:
Ens G. N. Thornquist, pilot,
Ens C. Bialek, pilot,
2nd Lt William P. Robinson,
AMM1C Vern H. Anderson,
AMM1C Walter V. Garrison,
R1C Oran G. Knehr,
S2C M. Ground,
S2C E. L. Cooper,
AMM1C Coy M. Weems,
R2C Joseph S. Wanek,
AMM3C Andrew R. Brazille,
AMM3C W. Gordon Payne.
Probable cause:
Controlled flight into terrain.