Incident Overview
Date: Tuesday 29 October 1940
Aircraft Type: Short Sunderland Mk I
Owner/operator: Royal Air Force – RAF
Registration Number: T9045
Location: 8 km SE of Strathie Point, Caithness –
ÿ United Kingdom
Phase of Flight: Landing
Status: Substantial, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 11
Component Affected: Aircraft (Short Sunderland T9045)Aircraft (Short Sunderland T9045)
Category: Accident
A Short Sunderland T9045, assigned to 204 Squadron RAF, was dispatched to search for a Sunderland P9620 on October 29th. However, the aircraft ran out of fuel, experienced darkness, and was subjected to high winds, forcing a forced landing at sea. The starboard float was damaged during the landing, and a trawler approached and passed lines, hindering attempts to tow the aircraft. Due to the rough sea conditions, towing was unsuccessful, and the port float was stove in by the trawler. Ultimately, the aircraft was abandoned.A Short Sunderland T9045, assigned to 204 Squadron RAF, was dispatched to search for a Sunderland P9620 on October 29th. However, the aircraft ran out of fuel, experienced darkness, and was subjected to high winds, forcing a forced landing at sea. The starboard float was damaged during the landing, and a trawler approached and passed lines, hindering attempts to tow the aircraft. Due to the rough sea conditions, towing was unsuccessful, and the port float was stove in by the trawler. Ultimately, the aircraft was abandoned.
Description
Short Sunderland T9045 (“KG-E”) of 204 Squadron, RAF took off to search for Sunderland P9620 on the 29th October but was forced landed at sea due to running out of fuel, darkness and high wind. The starboard float was smashed on landing and a trawler in the vicinity came alongside and lines were passed. Attempts to tow the aircraft were foiled owing to the roughness of sea, and after the port float had been stove in by the trawler. It was decided to abandon the aircraft. All personnel were safely transferred to trawler A76 and the aircraft eventually sank about 5 miles east by south from Strathie Point, Caithness-shire.
Primary Cause
Fuel exhaustion and adverse weather conditions (high winds, darkness, and rough sea)Fuel exhaustion and adverse weather conditions (high winds, darkness, and rough sea)Share on:
