On January 19, 1942, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration Z2148) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Yell Island, United Kingdom in flight. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot became disoriented due to marginal weather conditions. 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 Royal Air Force floatplane crashed into the southern part of Yell Island while en route to attack the German battleship Tirpitz. The accident resulted in seven fatalities and three survivors among the ten-person crew.
What happened
The aircraft departed from RAF Castle Archdale on a combat mission targeting the German battleship *Tirpitz* in waters off the Norwegian coast. During the transit over the North Sea, the pilot experienced disorientation caused by marginal weather conditions. This loss of situational awareness led to the airplane crashing into the southern section of Yell Island. The impact resulted in seven crew members being killed, while three others were successfully rescued.
Findings
The official investigation concluded that the primary factor leading to the accident was the pilot becoming disoriented due to the challenging meteorological conditions encountered during the flight.
Probable cause
The pilot became disoriented due to marginal weather conditions.
What happened in the 19 Jan 1942 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Yell Island, United Kingdom?
A Royal Air Force floatplane crashed into the southern part of Yell Island while en route to attack the German battleship Tirpitz. The accident resulted in seven fatalities and three survivors among the ten-person crew.
Were there any fatalities in the 19 Jan 1942 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Jan 1942 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration Z2148, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Yell Island, United Kingdom.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot became disoriented due to marginal weather conditions.
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