On December 7, 1941, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration W8417) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Kota Bharu, Malaysia in flight. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was shot down by a Japanese fighter during a maritime patrol mission. 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 maritime patrol floatplane was intercepted and destroyed by a Japanese fighter while operating off the coast of Malaysia, resulting in the loss of all eight crew members.
What happened
During a routine maritime patrol mission conducted in international waters off the coast of Malaysia, a military floatplane encountered hostile action. The aircraft was targeted and subsequently destroyed by a Japanese fighter. Following the engagement, the damaged plane crashed into the sea. All eight members of the crew perished in the incident. No survivors were reported from the wreckage.
Findings
Official investigations confirmed that the loss of the aircraft was directly attributable to enemy fire. The primary contributing factor identified was the interception and subsequent destruction of the patrol craft by a Japanese military fighter during active combat operations.
Probable cause
The aircraft was shot down by a Japanese fighter during a maritime patrol mission.
What happened in the 7 Dec 1941 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Kota Bharu, Malaysia?
A maritime patrol floatplane was intercepted and destroyed by a Japanese fighter while operating off the coast of Malaysia, resulting in the loss of all eight crew members.
Were there any fatalities in the 7 Dec 1941 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Dec 1941 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration W8417, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Kota Bharu, Malaysia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft was shot down by a Japanese fighter during a maritime patrol mission.
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