On December 17, 1953, a Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer (registration 59716) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Agrihan Island, Northern Mariana Islands in flight. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft crashed into the ocean while flying at low altitude during typhoon Doris, though the specific cause remains unknown due to the lack of wreckage. 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.
An aircraft disappeared after crashing into the ocean during a typhoon near Agrihan Island, leaving no trace of the plane or its occupants.
What happened
During a period of severe weather caused by typhoon Doris, an aircraft with registration VW-3 was operating at a low altitude. While navigating through the storm, the aircraft went down in the ocean in the vicinity of Agrihan Island.
The exact nature of the crash remains undetermined due to the lack of physical evidence. Following the incident, search efforts were unable to locate any wreckage or debris from the aircraft type. Furthermore, there was no trace found of the crew on board at the time of the disappearance.
Findings
The flight was occurring during a period of intense meteorological activity involving typhoon Doris.
The aircraft was positioned at a low altitude when it impacted the water.
No wreckage or survivors were recovered from the site near Agrihan Island.
Probable cause
The aircraft crashed into the ocean while flying at low altitude during typhoon Doris, though the specific cause remains unknown due to the lack of wreckage.
What happened in the 17 Dec 1953 Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer accident near Agrihan Island, Northern Mariana Islands?
An aircraft disappeared after crashing into the ocean during a typhoon near Agrihan Island, leaving no trace of the plane or its occupants.
Were there any fatalities in the 17 Dec 1953 Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Dec 1953 involved a Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer, registration 59716, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Agrihan Island, Northern Mariana Islands.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft crashed into the ocean while flying at low altitude during typhoon Doris, though the specific cause remains unknown due to the lack of wreckage.
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