On December 27, 1942, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration 04402) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Patterson Field (Meeks Field), Iceland in flight. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot lost control of the aircraft while attempting to navigate through violent turbulence and a heavy snowstorm using instruments, leading to a loss of altitude and subsequent ground impact. 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 VP-84 seaplane crashed into a snow-covered field near Patterson Field while attempting to navigate through a heavy snowstorm, resulting in the deaths of all nine crew members.
What happened
The aircraft was conducting an anti-submarine sweep operation with the objective of escorting a convoy of vessels bound for England. Approximately fifteen minutes after takeoff, the flight encountered severe weather conditions characterized by a heavy snowstorm. The seaplane subsequently impacted a snow-covered field in the vicinity of Patterson Field. Upon impact, the airframe burst into flames and was completely destroyed. All nine members of the crew perished in the accident.
Findings
Official evidence indicates that the pilot encountered violent turbulence during the flight. While attempting to navigate through the storm using instruments, the aircraft lost altitude until it struck the ground. Prior to departure, the pilot had been informed about a visible snow squall along the intended flight path and stated an intention to fly directly through the weather system.
Probable cause
The pilot lost control of the aircraft while attempting to navigate through violent turbulence and a heavy snowstorm using instruments, leading to a loss of altitude and subsequent ground impact.
What happened in the 27 Dec 1942 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Patterson Field (Meeks Field), Iceland?
A VP-84 seaplane crashed into a snow-covered field near Patterson Field while attempting to navigate through a heavy snowstorm, resulting in the deaths of all nine crew members.
Were there any fatalities in the 27 Dec 1942 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Dec 1942 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration 04402, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Patterson Field (Meeks Field), Iceland.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot lost control of the aircraft while attempting to navigate through violent turbulence and a heavy snowstorm using instruments, leading to a loss of altitude and subsequent ground impact.
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