North American B-25 Mitchell accident at Batchelor, Australia, 22 May 1943 (N5-152)
On May 22, 1943, a North American B-25 Mitchell (registration N5-152) operated by Royal Netherlands East Indies Air Force - ML-KNIL was involved in an aviation accident near Batchelor, Australia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the airplane was not properly aligned with the runway centerline during the takeoff procedure. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
It is believed that the airplane was not properly aligned with the runway centerline during the takeoff procedure.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
During the takeoff roll, the airplane hit a gun pit, went out of control, veered off runway and came to rest in a field. All five crew members escaped unhurt and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. Crew (18th Squadron): P/O B. Wetters, pilot, Cpt Eccles, pilot, Cpt Jesserun, navigator, F. Weber, wireless operator, Vernon McLean, air gunner.
Probable cause (official findings): It is believed that the airplane was not properly aligned with the runway centerline during the takeoff procedure.