Lajes

While approaching Argentia-Bristol Field by night, the four engine aircraft crashed into the Trinity Bay about 50 km northeast of Argentia. In the early morning, few debris were found floating on water and all 23 occupants have been killed.

The aircraft was performing a flight from Dover to RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, with intermediate stops at Stephenville and Lajes, carrying a load of mail and medical supplies. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing in low visibility due to fog, the airplane struck a hill (450 feet) located about 10 km from the airfield and was destroyed upon impact. All nine crew members were killed.
Crew:
Lt Donald P. Sheehan, pilot,
Lt Robert E. Little, copilot,
Cpt Gerald E. Avery, pilot,
Lt Leon E. Pedersen, navigator,
Lt Harold G. Harrison, navigator,
M/Sgt Ben A. Sharpe, flight engineer,
T/Sgt Clark N. Orndorff, flight engineer,
M/Sgt Edward T. Retus, flight engineer,
A2c Wallace M. Williams, loadmaster.

The crew was completing the evacuation of a patient (ill seaman) who should be transferred from a ship to the Island. The accident occurred by night and in unknown circumstances. While there were no casualties, the seaplane was lost.

The crew was completing a flight from Argentia-Bristol Field NAS, Newfoundland, to Lajes Airbase, Azores Islands. While flying by night about 177 km west of Crovo Island, Azores, the airplane disappeared and crashed into the ocean. SAR operations were conducted for several days but no trace of the airplane nor the 22 occupants was ever found.

During the takeoff roll at Lajes Airport, one of the engine failed. The takeoff procedure was interrupted and an emergency braking procedure was attempted. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the airplane overran and came to rest in flames. All seven crew members were evacuated safely while the aircraft was destroyed.

While cruising about 550 km southeast of the Azores Islands, the crew contacted ground and informed ATC about a double engine failure. The radio operator was able to give his exact position before the aircraft was ditched into the ocean. All seven crew members were evacuated safely and the aircraft floated for ten days before it was sunk by the crew of USS Wisconsin.

The crew was performing a flight from RAF Lakenheath to McGuire AFB with an intermediate stop at Lajes, Azores Islands. At 2055LT, while cruising at an altitude of 15,000 feet, the crew informed ATC about his position and everything was ok. More than hour later, at 2210LT, the aircraft went out of control and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean about 590 km southwest of Land's End, Cornwall, UK. The crew was unable to send any distress call. Few debris such as life vests and the nose wheel were found. All 59 occupants have been killed. It was reported that some debris recovered showed traces of fire, leaving open several assumptions.

After an uneventful flight from Argentia NAS, Newfoundland, the crew started the descent to Lajes Airbase. On final, the seaplane hit the slope of the Negrão Peak located about 7 km from the airfield. All five crew members were killed.

The crew was engaged in a transatlantic flight from Lajes to Hamilton, Bermuda. Enroute, the captain informed ground that he was short of fuel and was unable to reach Hamilton. He reduced his altitude and ditched the airplane near the Echo weather station. A USCG crew was able to evacuate all eight crew members while the aircraft sank and was lost.