On November 26, 1942, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration 2407) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Exmouth, Australia during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident resulted from an engine oil pressure loss and high temperature on the port engine, followed by a collision with a large wave during landing. 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 seaplane returned to Exmouth after an engine issue but sank during landing when it struck a large wave, resulting in one fatality.
What happened
Shortly after takeoff, the crew experienced a loss of oil pressure and elevated oil temperature on the port engine. The decision was made to return to Exmouth. During the approach, a normal full stall landing was executed. However, near the end of the landing run, the aircraft struck a large wave. This impact caused the plane to bounce into the air. Upon the subsequent touchdown, significant quantities of water entered the fuselage through the bombing window position in the bow. The seaplane subsequently sank in shallow water with a depth of 5 metres and was damaged beyond repair.
The pilot was killed in the incident. Eight other crew members were successfully rescued from the water.
Probable cause
The accident resulted from an engine oil pressure loss and high temperature on the port engine, followed by a collision with a large wave during landing.
What happened in the 26 Nov 1942 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Exmouth, Australia?
A seaplane returned to Exmouth after an engine issue but sank during landing when it struck a large wave, resulting in one fatality.
Were there any fatalities in the 26 Nov 1942 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Nov 1942 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration 2407, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Exmouth, Australia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The accident resulted from an engine oil pressure loss and high temperature on the port engine, followed by a collision with a large wave during landing.
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