On June 25, 1943, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration FP265) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Saint Lucia, South Africa in flight. 8 people were killed. 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 maritime patrol seaplane crashed into Lake Saint Lucia while en route from Durban, resulting in the deaths of all eight crew members on board.
What happened
The aircraft departed RAF Congella in Durban to conduct a maritime patrol mission. During the flight, the machine entered an uncontrolled descent and subsequently impacted the surface of Lake Saint Lucia. The crash site was located approximately 250 kilometers northeast of the departure point. All eight crew members aboard the seaplane were killed in the accident.
Findings
The incident involved a member of the 262nd Squadron. The source material does not provide specific technical details regarding the mechanical condition or environmental factors contributing to the uncontrolled descent.
What happened in the 25 Jun 1943 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Lake Saint Lucia, South Africa?
A maritime patrol seaplane crashed into Lake Saint Lucia while en route from Durban, resulting in the deaths of all eight crew members on board.
Were there any fatalities in the 25 Jun 1943 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Jun 1943 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration FP265, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Lake Saint Lucia, South Africa.
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