Zone

Crash of a Martin B-26 Marauder off Palm Island: 7 killed

Date & Time: Apr 21, 1942
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
40-1419
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Port Moresby – Townsville
MSN:
1419
YOM:
1940
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
8
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Circumstances:
En route, while flying along the northeast Australian coast, the crew encountered unknown technical problems and the captain attempted to ditch the aircraft off Palm Island. The twin engine aircraft contacted the water and sunk quickly, causing seven crew members to be killed.
Probable cause:
Technical problems.