10 fatalities

Loss of four-engine aircraft in Timor Sea (42-110120)

Timor Sea, WorldFlight

On October 29, 1944, a Consolidated B-24 Liberator (registration 42-110120) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Timor Sea, World in flight. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure resulting from a problem in the fuel supply system. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft named 'Sleepy Time Gal' crashed into the Timor Sea while en route, resulting in the loss of all crew members with no wreckage recovered.

What happened

During an en route phase of flight, a four-engine aircraft christened 'Sleepy Time Gal' lost control and impacted the surface of the Timor Sea. The incident occurred under circumstances that remain unknown. Following the crash, extensive search efforts failed to locate any trace of the airframe or the personnel on board. Consequently, all crew members were presumed lost with no survivors recovered.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the accident was likely triggered by an engine failure. This mechanical issue is attributed to a malfunction within the fuel supply system, which ultimately led to the loss of control and the subsequent crash into the sea.

Probable cause

Engine failure resulting from a problem in the fuel supply system