On August 6, 1942, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration 2389) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Espiritu Santo Island, Vanuatu in flight. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft crashed in poor weather conditions after one engine was feathered. 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.
A Catalina seaplane disappeared during a search and rescue mission in 1943. The wreckage was found on Espiritu Santo in 1992, confirming the deaths of all eight crew members.
What happened
In early 1943, a Catalina seaplane launched from Luganville to conduct a search and rescue operation for another missing aircraft of the same type. The plane failed to return to its base and was subsequently declared Missing In Action. Decades later, on 14 January 1992, the wreckage was rediscovered on the island of Espiritu Santo. The investigation confirmed that all eight crew members were killed in the incident.
Findings
Official findings indicated that the accident occurred during poor weather conditions. A key technical detail noted was that one engine had been feathered prior to the crash.
Probable cause
The aircraft crashed in poor weather conditions after one engine was feathered.
What happened in the 6 Aug 1942 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Espiritu Santo Island, Vanuatu?
A Catalina seaplane disappeared during a search and rescue mission in 1943. The wreckage was found on Espiritu Santo in 1992, confirming the deaths of all eight crew members.
Were there any fatalities in the 6 Aug 1942 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Aug 1942 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration 2389, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Espiritu Santo Island, Vanuatu.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft crashed in poor weather conditions after one engine was feathered.
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