6 fatalities

Disappearance of Aircraft en route from Baker Island to Makin Atoll (33963)

Pacific Ocean, WorldFlight

On December 30, 1943, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration 33963) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Pacific Ocean, World in flight. 6 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.

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

An aircraft vanished into the Pacific Ocean while traveling from Baker Island to Makin Atoll in the Gilbert Islands, leaving no trace of the machine or its occupants.

What happened

The incident involved a flight operating between Baker Island and Makin Atoll, located within the Gilbert Islands. During this transit across the Pacific Ocean, the aircraft was lost. Despite subsequent efforts, no physical evidence of the airframe was ever recovered from the water or surrounding areas. Additionally, there were no survivors or traces of the crew found, resulting in a total loss of both the machine and its personnel.

Findings

The investigation into this event concluded without identifying specific mechanical failures or external causes, as the complete absence of wreckage prevented further technical analysis. The primary outcome remains the unexplained disappearance of the aircraft and all individuals on board during the specified leg of the journey.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Dec 1943 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Pacific Ocean, World?

An aircraft vanished into the Pacific Ocean while traveling from Baker Island to Makin Atoll in the Gilbert Islands, leaving no trace of the machine or its occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Dec 1943 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Dec 1943 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration 33963, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Pacific Ocean, World.