Japan | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

Hit the slope of a mountain located near Kisarazu, killing all eight crew members. The aircraft was a PB4Y-1 version but delivered from the USAAF to USN with a B-24 Liberator serial number.

Crash of a Douglas C-47B-20-DK near Atsugi: 5 killed

Date & Time: Sep 17, 1945

Type of aircraft:

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

Operator:

Registration:

43-49914

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Military

Survivors:

Site:

Mountains

Schedule:

Motobu - Atsugi

MSN:

15730/27175

YOM:

1945

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While descending to Atsugi Airbase, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with low clouds and low visibility. The aircraft hit the slope of a mountain and was destroyed, killing all five occupants.

Crash of a Martin PBM-5 Mariner off Chimu Wan NAS: 12 killed

Date & Time: Sep 12, 1945

Type of aircraft:

Martin PBM Mariner

Operator:

Registration:

84617

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Survey / Patrol / Reconnaissance

Survivors:

Site:

Lake, Sea, Ocean, River

Schedule:

Chimu Wan - Chimu Wan

MSN:

84617

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Shortly after takeoff from Chimu Wan NAS, while climbing, the Mariner collided with a USAAF Grumman J2F Duck and crashed into the Bay. All 12 crew members were killed.

Crash of a Consolidated B-32-CF Dominator in Japan: 2 killed

Date & Time: Aug 28, 1945

Type of aircraft:

Consolidated B-32 Dominator

Operator:

Registration:

42-108528

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Enroute, engine number two and four lost power. Unable to maintain a safe altitude, the captain ordered the crew to bail out. The aircraft dove into the ground and crashed. Eleven crew members survived while two others were killed.

Probable cause:

Loss of power on two engines.

Crash of a Consolidated B-32-CF Dominator in Yontan AFB: 13 killed

Date & Time: Aug 28, 1945

Type of aircraft:

Consolidated B-32 Dominator

Operator:

Registration:

42-108544

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Aerial photography

Survivors:

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

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Just after liftoff, the aircraft stalled and crashed in a huge explosion, killing all 13 crew members.
Crew:
Cpt Barnes, Pilot 12.

Probable cause:

It appears that one or more engine lost power just after rotation.

Crash of a Canadian Vickers OA-10A Canso A off Tateyama: 6 killed

Date & Time: Aug 13, 1945

Type of aircraft:

Canadian Vickers PBV-1 Canso (OA-10 Canso)

Operator:

Registration:

44-34080

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Bombing

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Lake, Sea, Ocean, River

MSN:

CV-591

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While approaching Tateyama Airfield, the seaplane was shot down by the pilot of a Japanese fighter (Mitsubishi Zero) and crashed into the Tateyama Bay. A crew member was rescued while six others were killed.
Crew:
1st Lt Edwin E. Bodley,
Cpl Philip W. Carter,
2nd Lt Lawrence H. Chandler,
1st Lt Edmund L. Eliason,
S/Sgt David A. Kressler,
Sgt Vernon R. Radmall.

Probable cause:

Shot down by a Japanese fighter.

Crash of a Martin PBM-5 Mariner off Kerama Islands: 12 killed

Date & Time: Aug 8, 1945

Type of aircraft:

Martin PBM Mariner

Operator:

Registration:

59023

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Survey / Patrol / Reconnaissance

Survivors:

Site:

Lake, Sea, Ocean, River

MSN:

59023

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Circumstances:

While conducting a night maritime patrol flight, the seaplane apparently crashed into the Sea off the Kerama Islands. No trace of the aircraft nor the 12 crew members was found. It is believed the aircraft was shot down by enemy fire.