What happened
During an approach to Oahu Island in Hawaii, a flight originating from Tokyo encountered a critical mechanical issue. The crew reported that the aircraft suffered from fuel exhaustion, leaving them without sufficient power to reach their intended destination. Unable to land at Hickam Field, the pilots were forced to ditch the aircraft in the ocean approximately 60 miles west of the airfield.
Following the water landing, rescue operations were initiated. Ten individuals were successfully rescued from the wreckage. Tragically, three people lost their lives in the incident. Among the deceased was a high-ranking official who served as a personal advisor to General MacArthur and held the position of President of the Allied Council in Japan.
Findings
The official investigation identified fuel exhaustion as the direct cause of the accident. The loss of fuel prevented the aircraft from maintaining flight until it could reach the runway, necessitating an emergency ditching in open water.