Crash of a Tugan LJW7 Gannet off Exmouth: 3 killed

Date & Time: Aug 25, 1944 at 0519 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
A14-4
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Exmouth - Argyle Downs
MSN:
TA-58
YOM:
1937
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Circumstances:
The twin engine airplane departed Exmouth Airport in the early morning on an urgent medevac flight to Argyle Downs, in the northeast of Western Australia. On board were two crew members and one doctor. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing at night and in heavy mist, the pilot lost his orientation and the airplane crashed into the sea. The wreckage was found one mile from the airfield and about 50 yards out to sea. All three occupants were killed.
Crew:
F/O Gordon Edward Dix, pilot,
Sgt Norman Catton, mechanic.
Passenger:
S/Ldr John Clive Sangster, doctor.
Probable cause:
Loss of control during initial climb after the pilot suffered a spatial disorientation.

Crash of a Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina off Exmouth: 1 killed

Date & Time: Nov 26, 1942
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
2407
Survivors:
Yes
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
9
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
Shortly after take off, the pilot was forced to attempt an emergency landing for unknown reason. The flying boat hit a large wave and large quantities of water entered the plane through the bombing window position in the bow. The aircraft sank in 18 feet of water and was lost. The captain was killed while eight other occupants were injured.
Source: ASN