Incident Overview
Date: Wednesday 12 August 1942
Aircraft Type: Short Sunderland Mk II
Owner/operator: Royal Australian Air Force – RAAF
Registration Number: T9090
Location: off Brest, France –
ÿ Atlantic Ocean
Phase of Flight: Landing
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 10 / Occupants: 11
Component Affected: Wellington aircraftWellington aircraft
Category: Accident
A major aviation incident occurred in the Bay of Biscay when an open ocean landing attempt by RAF Wellington Squadron 461 Sqn, led by Commanding Officer Wing Commander N.A Halliday, resulted in a catastrophic loss of life. The crew was attempting to rescue survivors from a crashed Wellington.A major aviation incident occurred in the Bay of Biscay when an open ocean landing attempt by RAF Wellington Squadron 461 Sqn, led by Commanding Officer Wing Commander N.A Halliday, resulted in a catastrophic loss of life. The crew was attempting to rescue survivors from a crashed Wellington.
Description
Crashed in the Bay of Biscay attempting an open ocean landing to rescue survivors of an RAF Wellington that had crashed. Crew was lead by 461 Sqn Commanding Officer Wing Commander N.A Halliday.
Primary Cause
Loss of aircraft due to extreme weather conditions and navigational error during an open ocean landing.Loss of aircraft due to extreme weather conditions and navigational error during an open ocean landing.Share on:
