FlightFinder
Check my flight
4 fatalities

Night training seaplane crashes into Laucala Bay (NZ4002)

Suva, Fiji IslandsTakeoff (climb)

On September 23, 1943, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration NZ4002) operated by Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF was involved in an aviation accident near Suva, Fiji Islands during takeoff. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crash was caused by the crew incorrectly setting the elevator trim tabs. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-25Data APIEditorial standards

A seaplane crashed into Laucala Bay shortly after takeoff during a night training flight, resulting in the deaths of all four occupants on board.

What happened

The incident occurred during a night training sortie departing from Laucala Bay, located off Suva. Shortly after lifting off, the aircraft climbed to an altitude of approximately 200 feet before losing control and plunging into the water. The crash site was situated just a few hundred yards from the shoreline. All four individuals on board were killed in the accident.

Findings

Investigations determined that the accident resulted from incorrect configuration settings made by the crew. Specifically, the elevator trim tabs were set incorrectly, which led to the loss of control and the subsequent impact with the sea.

Probable cause

The crash was caused by the crew incorrectly setting the elevator trim tabs.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Sept 1943 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Suva, Fiji Islands?

A seaplane crashed into Laucala Bay shortly after takeoff during a night training flight, resulting in the deaths of all four occupants on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Sept 1943 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Sept 1943 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration NZ4002, operated by Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF, at Suva, Fiji Islands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crash was caused by the crew incorrectly setting the elevator trim tabs.

More accident analyses