Consolidated PBY Catalina accident at Johnston Atoll, United States of America, 29 Mar 1943 (2354)
On March 29, 1943, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration 2354) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Johnston Atoll, United States of America during landing or approach. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. Nevertheless, the following possibilities were mentioned: - The pilot did not get corrected altitude settings before attempting his landing and flew into the water without realizing he was so near the… 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.
Probable cause
The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. Nevertheless, the following possibilities were mentioned: - The pilot did not get corrected altitude settings before attempting his landing and flew into the water without realizing he was so near the surface. (another pilot stated that his altimeter read 200-ft plus when he landed just an hour or so before crash). - A collision with large birds which are numerous in the area and are known to fly at night. - Engine failure. - Fire in air just prior to crash. The Pilot was considered competent without restrictions for any assignment in the PBY-5 type aircraft.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The seaplane departed Johnston Atoll on a SAR operation in the Pacific Ocean, of a crashed Army B-24 enroute from Oahu to Johnston Atoll. In the evening, while approaching the base at an altitude of about 1,000 feet, the airplane nosed over and plunged into the sea some 1,650 metres offshore, bursting into flames. All 10 crew members were killed. Crew: Lt(jg) Robert Thomas O'Donnell, pilot, Ens Harold James Klopp, Ens Daniel Leo O'Sullivan Jr., Amm2c Ernest Alameda Isaia, Amm2c Eugene Degs French, Amm3c George Elvidge, Rm2c Harold Ernest Ostergard, Rm3c Douglas Levi Thomas, Aom3c Jack Hailey Ross, Lt J. S. Lockey.
Probable cause (official findings): The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. Nevertheless, the following possibilities were mentioned: - The pilot did not get corrected altitude settings before attempting his landing and flew into the water without realizing he was so near the surface. (another pilot stated that his altimeter read 200-ft plus when he landed just an hour or so before crash). - A collision with large birds which are numerous in the area and are known to fly at night. - Engine failure. - Fire in air just prior to crash. The Pilot was considered competent without restrictions for any assignment in the PBY-5 type aircraft.