5 fatalities

Anti-submarine patrol aircraft ditching attempt fails offshore (NZ4561)

Olevuga Island, Solomon IslandsFlight

On October 5, 1944, a Lockheed PV-1 Ventura (registration NZ4561) operated by Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF was involved in an aviation accident near Olevuga Island, Solomon Islands in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure. 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 anti-submarine patrol aircraft lost control during a ditching attempt after an engine failure, crashing into the sea and killing all five crew members.

What happened

During an active anti-submarine mission, the aircraft experienced a mechanical malfunction when one of its engines failed. The pilot initiated a controlled descent to reduce altitude, aiming to execute a water landing. However, the aircraft lost aerodynamic control during this maneuver. Instead of skimming across the surface, the plane dove directly into the ocean and crashed in waters located a few miles from the shore. All five individuals on board were killed in the impact.

Findings

The official investigation attributed the accident to the initial mechanical failure. The loss of power in one engine led to a chain of events where the pilot's attempt to ditch the aircraft resulted in a complete loss of control, making a safe water landing impossible.

Probable cause

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Oct 1944 Lockheed PV-1 Ventura accident near Olevuga Island, Solomon Islands?

An anti-submarine patrol aircraft lost control during a ditching attempt after an engine failure, crashing into the sea and killing all five crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Oct 1944 Lockheed PV-1 Ventura accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Oct 1944 involved a Lockheed PV-1 Ventura, registration NZ4561, operated by Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF, at Olevuga Island, Solomon Islands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure