Incident Overview
Date: Wednesday 25 March 1953
Aircraft Type: Short Sunderland GR.5
Owner/operator: Royal Air Force – RAF
Registration Number: PP148
Location: Iwakuni NAS –
ÿ Japan
Phase of Flight: Landing
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 4 / Occupants: 10
Component Affected: Aircraft noseAircraft nose
Category: Accident
A Sunderland flying boat encountered challenging weather near Iwakuni NAS. The crew assessed the choppy sea and decided to circle to wait for improved conditions. However, the weather worsened, and the aircraft struck the sea heavily, resulting in a nose break and a return to its back. The landing was followed by heavy seas.A Sunderland flying boat encountered challenging weather near Iwakuni NAS. The crew assessed the choppy sea and decided to circle to wait for improved conditions. However, the weather worsened, and the aircraft struck the sea heavily, resulting in a nose break and a return to its back. The landing was followed by heavy seas.
Description
The Sunderland flying boat arrived near Iwakuni NAS but the crew were told the sea was choppy due to a gusty wind. They decided to circle the area to wait for the weather to improve. It was dark by the time they attempted to land again. The airplane struck the sea heavily and overshot. The crew then decided to land after sunrise. After landing it struck heavy seas. The nose broke and the Sunderland came to rest on its back.
Primary Cause
Gusty winds caused by a choppy sea.Gusty winds caused by a choppy sea.Share on:
