Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer

Crashed in unknown circumstances in the Aurès Mountain Range, west of Chéla. Three crew members were injured while nine others were killed. Based in Constantine, the crew was performing a survey flight on behalf of the Tactical Aerial Group (GATAC - Groupement Aérien Tactique).
Crew:
M. Kervella, †
M. Gourmelon, navigator, †
M. Roux de Vence, radio operator, †
M. Granet, radio operator, †
M. Cariou, mechanic, †
M. Maton, mechanic, †
M. Delepine, gunner, †
M. Suret, pilot, †
M. Josse, radar operator, †
M. Monteleon, pilot,
M. Bornet, gunner,
M. Grolleau, gunner.

Lt. Thorson, pilot, and Lt. Shook, copilot, were scheduled for a local 2 ½ hour training flight in P4Y-2 registered 59695 at 0930LT. Due to marginal VFR conditions, they were briefed to conduct GCA runs and remain in the local pattern until the weather improved. The pilots completed the engine run-up and the take-off checklist (inadvertently missing the flaps). the tower informed the aircraft that the field was VFR and cleared the aircraft for take-off. The aircraft became airborne just prior to reaching the end of the runway in a near level attitude, no more than one to two feet in the air. As it passed the end of the runway and over the waters edge, a drop of about 10 feet, the loss of ground effect caused it to settle immediately. The aircraft settled to the water at full power about 300 feet from the end of the 5,000 foot runway. The aircraft planed on the main gear and belly and settled to a stop about 5,000 yards past the point of initial impact. An orderly ditching procedure followed. All personnel were out of the aircraft in approximately 45 seconds and in life rafts shortly thereafter. The aircraft sank in 175 feet of water in approximately 2 ½ minutes. The personnel were rescued by the NAS Seattle crash boat about 4 minutes later. Lt. Shook and one crewman received minor injuries while vacating the aircraft. During the run-out on the water, the bomb bay doors ripped open and one bomb bay tank was torn loose from the aircraft. All propeller blades were slightly bent from impact with the water. No other damage is believed to have occurred to the aircraft. Salvage operations commenced on August 28, 1956, and the aircraft was raised to the surface on August 31, 1956. However, a shackle pin to the hoisting sling broke while attempting to tow the aircraft ashore and the aircraft again sank to a depth of 210 feet. Lines had been secured to the two inboard engines and the engines broke off at the mounts when the sling shackle pin gave way. Further efforts to salvage the aircraft were abandoned as uneconomical.
Source:
http://www.memorieshop.com/Seattle/LakeWashington/PB4Y-2.html

Crashed in unknown circumstances in Chincoteague, Virginia. Crew fate remains unknown.

Shot down by enemy antiaircraft fire and crashed near Sơn La. Seven crew members were killed while two others were injured.
Crew:
M. Monguillon, pilot,
M. Royssat, pilot,
M. Le Coz, navigator,
M. Bouissou, mechanic,
M. Stephan, mechanic,
M. Hoog, radio operator,
M. Lacrosse, radio operator,
M. Carpenter, gunner,
M. Keromnes, gunner.

While conducting a survey flight of the iced continent, the crew encountered white conditions when the airplane hit the slope of a mountain located near Grise Fiord. All nine crew members were killed.

Shot down by enemy antiaircraft fire while overflying Điện Biên Phủ. All nine crew members were killed.
Crew:
M. Manfanovski, pilot,
M. Gauthiez, pilot,
M. Ruello-Kermellin, navigator,
M. Puyjalinet, mechanic,
M. Iltis, radio operator,
M. Guiliano, radio operator,
M. Chaigne, radio operator,
M. Bourson, gunner,
M. Paumier, gunner.

On final approach by night to France Field Airport in Colón, the airplane hit tree tops and crashed in a dense wooded area located 1,200 meters short of runway 36. Seven crew members were killed while seven others were injured.
Crew:
Lt Stephen E. Griffin, †
Michael R. Paveslch, †
A1c Clarence Fry, †
A3c John R. Parmenter Jr., †
A3c Robert C. Kratt, †
A3c Harold T. Lane, †
Arthur L. Manor, †
Lt John E. Tochey,
Lt Robert J. Bixler,
A1c Robert D. Ross Jr.,
A1c Robert V. Delke,
A2c Kenneth D. Klewer,
A2c Andrew R. Hinkle,
A3c Clarence H. Schneider.

While flying at low altitude into the typhoon Doris, the aircraft (VW-3) crashed into the ocean in unclear circumstances off Agrihan Island. No trace of the aircraft nor the crew was found.

While cruising at an altitude of 5,000 feet, the crew encountered poor weather conditions. In low visibility, the aircraft registered 59937 (VP-9) hit the slope of the Black Peak and disintegrated on impact. SAR operations were conducted but eventually suspended few days later as no trace of the aircraft nor the crew was found. The wreckage was spotted and localized in July 1953. All 10 occupants have been killed and the aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire. The airplane was on its way from NAS Alameda to NAS Whidbey Island, carrying two Navy Officers and a crew of eight.
Crew:
Lt Leland R. Stegemerten, pilot,
Lt David Jarvis, copilot,
Adc C. C. Longacre,
At1 T. W. Huffman,
Ao3 J. A. Kerrigan,
Ao3 J. L. McDonnell,
Ad3 H. L. Ziemba,
Adan T. J. Whited.
Passengers:
Cpt Julian David Greer,
Lt O. C. Everhart.

While performing a local training flight, the airplane registered 59923 (VP-772) hit the slope of Mt South located in the Olympic Mountain range, about 14 miles northwest of Shelton. All 11 crew members were killed.