Papua New Guinea

Christened 'The Flying Dutchman', the aircraft was flying from Port Moresby to Pongani on behalf of the 33rd Troop Carrier Squadron's to deliver supplies and troops from the 32nd Infantry Division and the 126th Infantry Regiment. While cruising at an altitude of 9,000 feet, the aircraft encountered severe downdrafts, lost altitude and hit the slope of Mt Obree, in the center of PNG. Of the twenty-three aboard, seventeen survived the crash. Many had serious injuries and burns, and died afterwards waiting for help. Eventually, some of the survivors found help and only six survived. The wreckage was rediscovered during an air search mission for a missing Piaggio on March 8, 1961. The airplane has the dual registration VH-CCU and 41-18564.
Crew:
2nd Lt George W. Vandervort, pilot, †
Cpt Theodore W. Barron, †
T/Sgt Stephen J. Pitch, flight engineer, †
Sgt George B. Kershner, radio operator.
Passengers:
Sgt James M. Verstay, †
Pvt Vernon R. Moak, †
Pvt Charles W. Raddatz, †
Pvt Charles I. Stokes, †
Pvt Margarito Padilla, †
Pvt Carlos D. Failin, †
Pfc Gerald M. Grove, †
Pfc Frank A. Thomas, Jr.,
Pvt Duane R. Butler,
Sgt Edward K. Holleman,
Pvt Floyd L. August,
Pvt John W. Mobley,
Tec Lawrence E. Peterson, †
Pvt John J. Bellus, †
Pfc Malvern E. Patton, †
Pvt Theodore Romero, †
Pfc William L. Smith, †
Pvt Martin J. Brandon, †
Pvt Antonio T. Montes. †

The crew was returning to his base in Port Moresby following a reconnaissance mission to locate Japanese ships off Lae. On the return trip, the captain was forced to attempt an emergency landing due to fuel exhaustion. The twin engine aircraft crash landed near the Laloki River, in the region of Sogeri, and was damaged beyond repair. All eight occupants were unhurt and rescued.

The aircraft left Port Moresby-Seven Mile Airport in the early morning with a crew of eight and a load of 1,000 pounds of bombs to attack Japanese ships based in the Tonolei Harbor. Upon arrival in the target area, the crew encountered poor weather conditions and the aircraft disappeared in unknown circumstances. No trace was ever found.
Crew (19th BG):
1st Lt John S. Hancock, pilot,
Sgt Robert H. Burns, copilot,
1st Lt James W. Carver, navigator,
Cpl Hiram D. Wilkinson, flight engineer,
Sgt Edward R. Cipriani, radio operator,
Sgt Mac S. Groesbeck, air gunner,
Sgt Raymond A. Maxwell, air gunner,
Cpl Curtis F. Longenberger, air gunner.

The twin engine aircraft left Gurney Airfield at 0730LT on a reconnaissance mission east of Milne Bay. En route, it was lost, maybe in the region of Gurney - Alotau, east part of the Milne Bay province. No trace of the aircraft nor the crew was found.
Crew (6th Squadron):
F/O D. L. Gorringe,
F/O G. D. Hum,
Sgt C. L. McCready,
Sgt J. C. McAuliffe.

The aircraft left Mareeba in Queensland and made a fuel stop at Port Moresby-Seven Mile airfield. It then continued to Rabaul on a mission to attack the Vunakanau Airfield. Upon arrival, the bomber was attacked by 11 Japanese Mitsubishi Zero and crashed, killing all nine crew members.
Crew (19th BG):
1st Lt Earl L. Hageman Jr.,
1st Lt Dale E. Hanson,
2nd Lt Angelo P. Bianco,
2nd Lt Wade H. Lowry,
S/Sgt Michael G. Adamow,
Sgt Thomas H. Jack,
Cpl Frank J. Mehock,
Pfc Thomas W. Wilzbacher,
Sgt Frank W. Plunkett, air gunner.

During the take off run, crew mistakenly retracted the landing gear while the aircraft was still on the ground. Aircraft skidded on runway and came to rest. All occupants survived but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

En route, all four engines stopped due to fuel exhaustion. The captain reduced his altitude and ditched the aircraft off Duma Point. While the aircraft sunk by a depth of 60 meters, all eight occupants were able to evacuate the cabin but were captured by Japanese soldiers and executed.

On final approach to Port Moresby-Seven Mile Airport, the aircraft stalled and crashed in flames. All five crew members were killed.
Crew (36th Squadron):
Sgt Gordon Thomas Beitz,
Sgt John Douglas Dally,
Sgt Alber,
F/Lt Stewart Devine,
LAC Frank Harold Foers.

The crew was in charge to attack a convoy when he was hit by enemy fire. The captain was able to leave the area and attempted to make an emergency landing when the aircraft crashed in shallow water off Cape Nelson, in the region of Buna. A crew member was killed while all six other occupants were injured. Crew (22nd BG).

The crew was involved in a bombing mission over Rabaul. While approaching its target, the aircraft was shot down by the pilot of a Japanese fighter and crashed in a huge explosion. All eight crew members were killed.
Crew (19th BG).