Incident Overview
Date: Saturday 27 January 1945
Aircraft Type: Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina
Owner/operator: 6 Sqn RNZAF
Registration Number: NZ4022
Location: 16 km S off Beqa Island –
ÿ Fiji
Phase of Flight: Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.)
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 12 / Occupants: 18
Component Affected: Aircraft control system (specifically the stalling mechanism).Aircraft control system (specifically the stalling mechanism).
Category: Accident
A RNZAF No.6 Squadron aircraft performing a post-maintenance test flight near Beqa Island, Fiji, intentionally stalled at 5500 feet and subsequently entered an uncontrollable spin, resulting in a dive into the sea.A RNZAF No.6 Squadron aircraft performing a post-maintenance test flight near Beqa Island, Fiji, intentionally stalled at 5500 feet and subsequently entered an uncontrollable spin, resulting in a dive into the sea.
Description
Spun into sea 10 miles south of Beqa Island (also known as Mbengga Island), Fiji while operating with the RNZAF No.6 Squadron. During a post maintenance test flight the aircraft was deliberately stalled at 5500 feet but entered an uncontrollable spin and dived into the sea.
Source of Information
https://adf-serials.com.au/nz-serials/nzcatalina.htmhttps://adf-serials.com.au/nz-serials/nzcatalina.htmPrimary Cause
Intentional stalling of the aircraft.Intentional stalling of the aircraft.Share on:
