This information is added by users of ASN. Neither ASN nor the Flight Safety Foundation are responsible for the completeness or correctness of this information.
You can contribute by submitting additional or updated information.
| Date: | Friday 13 April 1945 |
| Time: | 06:20 |
| Type: |  Boeing-Canada PB2B-1 Catalina |
| Owner/operator: | 5 Sqn RNZAF |
| Registration: | NZ4031 |
| MSN: | 28120 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 10 |
| Other fatalities: | 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed, written off |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Funafuti Lagoon -
 Tuvalu
|
| Phase: | Take off |
| Nature: | Military |
| Departure airport: | |
While taking off along a swell in Funafuti Lagoon the Catalina flying boat began to porpoise. On becoming airborne the plane stalled from about 15 feet and fell heavily bow-first into the lagoon, half submerging and finally sinking in 85 feet of water. The crash was caused by a mishandling of the controls by the second Pilot through a misunderstanding between him and the Captain. Seven survivors were rescued by American and RNZAF crash boats.
Sources:
1. Auckland Museum Cenotaph database
2. https://adf-serials.com.au/nz-serials/nzcatalina.htm
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 27-Feb-2025 23:05 | Ron Averes | Updated [Operator, Source, ] |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:
| ASN Home | Send Correction / Feedback |
| FSF Home | Disclaimer | Copyright |
| Contact Us | Privacy Policy |
| Press / Media |
CONNECT WITH US:
©2025 Flight Safety Foundation