Zone
All Tuvalu

Crash of a Consolidated PB2B-1 Catalina off Funafuti: 3 killed

Date & Time: Apr 13, 1945 at 0620 LT
Type of aircraft:
Consolidated PBY Catalina
Operator:
Registration:
NZ4031
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
MSN:
28120
Location:
Funafuti
All Tuvalu
Country:
Tuvalu
Region:
Oceania
Crew on board:
10
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from the Funafuti harbor, while climbing at a height of 15 feet, the aircraft stalled and hit the water surface. Seven crew members were rescued while three others were drowned with the seaplane that sank by 100 feet deep. Crew was from the 5th Squadron.
Probable cause:
The crash was caused by a mishandling of the controls by the copilot through a misunderstanding between him and the Captain.

Crash of a Lockheed PV-1 Ventura in Nausori: 5 killed

Date & Time: Dec 4, 1944 at 1649 LT
Type of aircraft:
Lockheed PV-1 Ventura
Operator:
Registration:
NZ4550
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Funafuti – Nausori
MSN:
5899
Location:
Nausori
All Fiji Islands
Country:
Fiji Islands
Region:
Oceania
Crew on board:
5
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Circumstances:
The crew was performing a flight from Funafuti (Tuvalu Islands) to Nausori with a load of bomb. The approach and landing were completed in strong cross winds and upon landing, the twin engine aircraft went of control, skidded and veered off runway to the right before coming to rest in a huge explosion. The aircraft was destroyed and all five occupants were killed. The explosion on final impact was largely contributed by the presence of bombs.
Subscribe to Funafuti