4 fatalities

RAF Bircham Newton Maritime Patrol Aircraft Shot Down Over North Sea (EW919)

Terschelling, NetherlandsFlight

On January 27, 1943, a Lockheed L-414 Hudson (registration EW919) operated by Royal Netherlands Navy - Marineluchtvaartdienst (MLD) was involved in an aviation accident near Terschelling, Netherlands in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was shot down by a German fighter during a maritime patrol 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft from the 320th Squadron was shot down by a German fighter during a night patrol over the North Sea, crashing into the water off Terschelling with no survivors.

What happened

On the night in question, a twin engine airplane departed RAF Bircham Newton at 0045LT to conduct a maritime patrol mission over the North Sea. The aircraft was operating under the command of the 320th Squadron. At 0303LT, the plane came under attack and was shot down by a German fighter. Following the engagement, the aircraft crashed into the sea in the waters off the island of Terschelling. The incident resulted in the loss of the aircraft without trace.

The crew consisted of four personnel: the pilot, an observer, a wireless operator, and an air gunner. All members of the crew were lost in the event.

Probable cause

The aircraft was shot down by a German fighter during a maritime patrol flight.