Crash of a Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina off Beqa Island: 12 killed
Date & Time:
Jan 27, 1945 at 1058 LT
Operator:
Registration:
NZ4022
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Suva - Suva
MSN:
1470
Crew on board:
6
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
12
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
12
Circumstances:
The seaplane stalled and spun into water some 10 miles south of Beqa Island, while operating with No. 6 squadron. During a post maintenance test flight, the aircraft was deliberately stalled at 5,500 feet but entered an uncontrollable spin and dove into the sea near Beqa Island. Four crew and eight passengers were killed while two crew and four passengers got clear of the wreckage before it sank and survived.
Source: http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/
Source: http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/
