Incident Overview
Date: Sunday 3 May 1964
Aircraft Type: Consolidated PBY-6A Catalina
Owner/operator: Kongelige Danske Flyvevbnet
Registration Number: L-867
Location: 10 km SW of Upernavik –
ÿ Greenland
Phase of Flight: En route
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 14
Component Affected: Single engineSingle engine
Category: Accident
On April 20, 1964, a Catalina aircraft experienced a catastrophic engine failure during a flight from Vrl?se to Sonderstrom, resulting in significant damage and ultimately, its loss. The aircraft then landed due to open water, requiring a rescue by an USAF SA-16. The incident highlights the limitations of a single-engine aircraft in challenging conditions.On April 20, 1964, a Catalina aircraft experienced a catastrophic engine failure during a flight from Vrl?se to Sonderstrom, resulting in significant damage and ultimately, its loss. The aircraft then landed due to open water, requiring a rescue by an USAF SA-16. The incident highlights the limitations of a single-engine aircraft in challenging conditions.
Description
The Catalina operated on a trip from Air Station Vrl?se via Keflavik, Reykjavik, Mestersvig, Station North, Thule, Sonderstrom and back to Vrl?se. The flyinbg boat departed Vrl?se, Denmark on 20 April 1964. On 3 May 1964, en route from Thule to Sonderstrom, the airplane suffered an no. 1 engine failure. Due to the Catalinas single engine performance, the captain decided to make a precautionary landing when they discovered open water about 10 km south west from Upernavik. The crew was later rescued by a USAF SA-16 and brought to Sonderstrom. Two days later the Catalina was damaged beyond repair by the ice which had crushed the it.
Primary Cause
Single engine failure due to performance limitations during a flight through open water.Single engine failure due to performance limitations during a flight through open water.Share on:
