Incident Overview
Date: Friday 13 April 1945
Aircraft Type: Boeing-Canada PB2B-1 Catalina
Owner/operator: 5 Sqn RNZAF
Registration Number: NZ4031
Location: Funafuti Lagoon –
ÿ Tuvalu
Phase of Flight: Take off
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 10
Component Affected: Aircraft controls (specifically the pilot’s control inputs).Aircraft controls (specifically the pilot’s control inputs).
Category: Accident
A Catalina flying boat experienced a catastrophic crash while taking off in Funafuti Lagoon. The plane stalled at approximately 15 feet and sank rapidly into the lagoon, partially submerging and ultimately sinking to 85 feet of water. The crash was attributed to a misjudgment by the second pilot regarding control inputs, resulting in a loss of control.A Catalina flying boat experienced a catastrophic crash while taking off in Funafuti Lagoon. The plane stalled at approximately 15 feet and sank rapidly into the lagoon, partially submerging and ultimately sinking to 85 feet of water. The crash was attributed to a misjudgment by the second pilot regarding control inputs, resulting in a loss of control.
Description
While taking off along a swell in Funafuti Lagoon the Catalina flying boat began to porpoise. On becoming airborne the plane stalled from about 15 feet and fell heavily bow-first into the lagoon, half submerging and finally sinking in 85 feet of water. The crash was caused by a mishandling of the controls by the second Pilot through a misunderstanding between him and the Captain. Seven survivors were rescued by American and RNZAF crash boats.
Source of Information
https://adf-serials.com.au/nz-serials/nzcatalina.htmhttps://adf-serials.com.au/nz-serials/nzcatalina.htmPrimary Cause
Misjudgment of control inputs by the second pilot during takeoff.Misjudgment of control inputs by the second pilot during takeoff.Share on:
