A PBY-5A Catalina had been acquired in 1993 and was to be ferried from the U.S. to the owners in New Zealand. The crew flew from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Hilo (ITO), Hawaii. They arrived at Hilo at 16:40 local, 13. January 1994. The next leg was from Hilo to Papeete/Taihiti (PPT)the next day. En route, no. 1 engine problems forced the crew to divert to Christmas Island. The engine failed completely somewhat later. With a maximum load of fuel on board for the long distance flight, it was impossible for the aircraft to maintain altitude. Weighed down by its remaining 1000 gallons of fuel, the Catalina progressively lost height until a forced landing had to be carried out mid-Pacific. The airplane sank four hours later. All 7 crew members were rescued eight hours later.