No fatalities

Maritime patrol aircraft ditching off Natal following engine failure (7245)

Atlantic Ocean, WorldFlight

On December 14, 1942, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration 7245) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Atlantic Ocean, World in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident resulted from an engine failure occurring during flight. 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 2026-08-26Data APIEditorial standards

A maritime patrol aircraft made an emergency landing 210 km off Natal after suffering an engine failure. The plane sank, but all eight crew members were successfully rescued by a British ship.

What happened

During a routine maritime patrol mission, the flight crew encountered a critical mechanical issue that necessitated an immediate emergency procedure. The aircraft suffered an engine failure while in flight, forcing the pilot to execute a ditching maneuver in international waters. The crash site was located approximately 210 km from Natal. Following the impact with the water, the airframe sank beneath the surface.

Despite the severity of the incident and the remote location, all personnel on board survived. A total of eight crew members were quickly extracted from the water by the crew of a nearby British vessel. The rescue operation was conducted promptly, ensuring that no lives were lost in the accident.

Probable cause

The accident resulted from an engine failure occurring during flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Dec 1942 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Atlantic Ocean, World?

A maritime patrol aircraft made an emergency landing 210 km off Natal after suffering an engine failure. The plane sank, but all eight crew members were successfully rescued by a British ship.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Dec 1942 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Dec 1942 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration 7245, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Atlantic Ocean, World.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident resulted from an engine failure occurring during flight.