On February 12, 1943, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration 08033) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Topham (Canton Island), Kiribati during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A fire originating in the right engine shortly after takeoff necessitated an emergency ditching. 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-71 seaplane ditched in open water near Canton Island after a right engine fire broke out shortly after takeoff. All nine occupants were rescued, and the aircraft sank.
What happened
Following departure from Topham Airfield on Canton Island, the aircraft experienced mechanical issues with its powerplant. The right engine began vibrating excessively and subsequently ignited. In response to the fire, the pilot executed a ditching procedure in open water while keeping the landing gear deployed. The seaplane eventually sank after the emergency landing.
All nine individuals on board were quickly rescued from the water. The crew consisted of members from VP-71, including the pilot and eight other personnel. No fatalities were reported in this incident.
Probable cause
A fire originating in the right engine shortly after takeoff necessitated an emergency ditching.
What happened in the 12 Feb 1943 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Topham (Canton Island), Kiribati?
A VP-71 seaplane ditched in open water near Canton Island after a right engine fire broke out shortly after takeoff. All nine occupants were rescued, and the aircraft sank.
Were there any fatalities in the 12 Feb 1943 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Feb 1943 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration 08033, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Topham (Canton Island), Kiribati.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A fire originating in the right engine shortly after takeoff necessitated an emergency ditching.
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