Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF

De Havilland DH.104 Dove

While taxiing, the crew encountered technical problems with the braking systems. The captain decided to raise the landing gear when the aircraft sank on its belly and came to a halt. Both occupants were uninjured.

De Havilland DH.104 Dove

The airplane departed Queenstown Airport at 1320LT for a local training flight. En route, while flying a lot height, the airplane struck a hillside located in the region of Lindis Pass. All three crew members were killed.

De Havilland DH.104 Dove

The pilot, sole on board, was completing a local training flight at Wigram AFB. On final approach, an engine caught fire. The pilot lost control of the aircraft that stalled and crashed short of runway. While the pilot was uninjured, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver

The crew was completing a supply mission to Beardmore Glacier and elected to land in whiteout conditions when the airplane struck the icy ground and crashed. Both pilots were rescued five days later and the aircraft was abandoned in situ.

Short S.25 Sunderland

Under the command of F/Lt B. Dwyer, the aircraft struck an uncharted, submerged reef while taking-off from the Te Whanga Lagoon. The impact severely damaged the flying boat’s hull. There were no casualties but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair and abandoned and later dismantled.

De Havilland DH.104 Dove

For unknown reason, the airplane landed hard and was considered as damaged beyond repair. There were no injuries among the crew. The accident occurred by night.

Bristol 170 Freighter

While flying at an altitude of 4,000 feet on a supply mission, the airplane hit trees and crashed in a dense wooded area. The aircraft was destroyed and eight occupants were killed. As the airplane failed to return to its base, SAR operations were conducted and the wreckage was spotted in the afternoon. Rescuers were dropped off about 2,000 yards from the crash site but poor weather conditions hampered attempts to reach the wreckage which was eventually reached after three days only. The survivor walked away and was found alive twelve days later.

De Havilland DH.104 Dove

After landing at Invercargill Airport, the twin engine aircraft encountered difficulties to stop, overran and came to rest into a ditch. Both pilots were uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Handley Page H.P.67 Hastings

Shortly after takeoff from Darwin Airport, while climbing, the four engine aircraft suffered a bird strike. As an engine lost power, the aircraft stalled and crashed past the runway end. All 25 occupants were injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

De Havilland DH.104 Dove

The crew was performing a training flight and left Ohakea Airbase at 0917LT. Apparently while returning and flying over the Taratua Forest Park in poor weather conditions, the twin engine airplane hit the slope of Mt Shingle Slip Knob at 1011LT. The wreckage was found three days later few meters below the summit and both crew members have been killed. It is believed the aircraft was off track at the time of the accident and the crew was unaware of the presence of the mountain due the lack of visibility. Crew: F/Lt Edward Casey, F/Lt William Trott.

De Havilland DH.104 Dove

The crew was taking part to the celebrations of the London - Christchurch Rallye anniversary. Two RNZAF Devon's registered NZ1810 and NZ1811 were engaged in a demonstration at Wigram Airbase. While approaching the airfield from the south at an altitude of 1,200 feet, both aircraft collided with their wings (it appears that the right wing of NZ1810 touched the left wing of NZ1811). Out of control, both airplanes dove into the ground and crashed in a paddock located about 700 meters from the airbase and were totally destroyed. All seven crew members on both aircraft were killed. Crew on board NZ1810: F/Lt Edwin Pattison Booth Ebbett, pilot, A1c Brian James Keogh, A1c Eric Melrose. Crew on board NZ1811: S/L Sholto Russell Duncan, pilot, A1c William Henry Sharman, A2c Russell Woodcock, Lt Erling William Ziesler.

De Havilland DH.104 Dove

The crew was taking part to the celebrations of the London - Christchurch Rallye anniversary. Two RNZAF Devon's registered NZ1810 and NZ1811 were engaged in a demonstration at Wigram Airbase. While approaching the airfield from the south at an altitude of 1,200 feet, both aircraft collided with their wings (it appears that the right wing of NZ1810 touched the left wing of NZ1811). Out of control, both airplanes dove into the ground and crashed in a paddock located about 700 meters from the airbase and were totally destroyed. All seven crew members on both aircraft were killed. Crew on board NZ1810: F/Lt Edwin Pattison Booth Ebbett, pilot, A1c Brian James Keogh, A1c Eric Melrose. Crew on board NZ1811: S/L Sholto Russell Duncan, pilot, A1c William Henry Sharman, A2c Russell Woodcock, Lt Erling William Ziesler.

Bristol 170 Freighter

Shortly after takeoff from runway 06 at Woodbourne AFB in Blenheim, while climbing, the pilot-in-command made a turn to right when the aircraft entered clouds. Six minutes later, the twin engine airplane hit the slope of a mountain located near Taylor Pass, about 12 km southeast of the airfield. The aircraft was destroyed and all five crew members were killed. Crew: Cpt Richard Webb, F/Lt James Brookes, F/Sgt Phillip Diebert, Sgt John Collins, Sgt Thomas Dean.

Airspeed AS.65 Consul

The crew was completing a flight from Wigram AFB to Ohakea with an intermediate stop in Rukuhia, carrying a load of spare parts. While cruising at an altitude of 8,900 feet in poor weather conditions, the twin engine aircraft hit the east slope of the Te Heuheu peak located in the Ruapehu Mountain range. The wreckage was found about 50 feet below the summit and all three crew members have been killed.

Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina

Shortly after takeoff from Apia-Faleolo, the aircraft crashed into the sea. A crew member was seriously injured while seven other occupants were killed. The seaplane was on its way back to New Zealand.

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

The crew was completing single engine approaches and landings at RNZAF Whenuapai. On approach, the second engine failed. The aircraft stalled and crashed into the bay off Hobsonville. All three crew members were evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina

Sank during takeoff into the Evans Bay in Wellington when seawater flooded aircraft. There were no casualties.

Airspeed AS.10 Oxford

While cruising in the region of Hawletts Hut, the twin engine aircraft went out of control and crashed in a dense wooded area located in the Ruahine Mountain Range. All three crew members were killed. It is believed that the aircraft suffered a structural failure in flight.

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

The starboard engine blew up about 480 km north of Manila. Flight was maintained on one engine but bad weather and turbulence forced the plane down to below 1,000 feet. At about 200 km from Manila, some personal baggage and mail were jettisoned. The crew eventually realized it was impossible to join Manila so decided to make a wheels up landing near Dinalungan. The aircraft crash landed and was damaged beyond repair while all 12 occupants were unhurt.

Avro 652 Anson

Crashed on landing. No casualties.

Lockheed PV-1 Ventura

The crew was engaged in a meteorological survey mission and left Ohakea AFB at 0700LT. Ten minutes later, while cruising in the Waitohu Valley in poor weather conditions, the aircraft hit the slope of a mountain located in the Tararua Mountain Range. SAR operations were conducted but eventually suspended few days later as no trace of the aircraft nor the 4 crew members was found. On March 19, 1949, walkers found the wreckage of the aircraft in a wooded area located near Otaki. Crew: F/Lt Walter Jacobs, F/Lt Sydney Langton, W/O Hedley Newell, AC1 Anthony Hayhurst.

Lockheed 18 LodeStar

After touchdown at Palmerston North, while on a delivery flight to Union Airways, the twin engine aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance, overran and came to rest. Both pilots were uninjured while the aircraft was written off.

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

Enroute from Vanuatu to Whenuapai, the crew made a last radio call around 0900. While flying in marginal weather conditions (thunderstorm activity and turbulence), the aircraft failed to arrive and probably crashed into the south Pacific ocean. No trace of the aircraft nor the crew was ever found. Crew: F/O Jack Hoffeins, pilot, F/O Kenneth McArthur, navigator, P/O Clifton Kennedy, wireless operator and air gunner, Cpl John Jacobs, flight engineer.

Lockheed PV-1 Ventura

While returning to his base and completing a turn at a height of 75 feet, the crew lost control of the aircraft that crashed inverted in the Seeadler Harbour. All six crew members were killed. Crew (4th Squadron): F/Sgt Jack Mummery, F/Sgt Joseph Hartley, F/Sgt Arthur Doreen, F/Sgt Richard Anderson, F/Sgt Kenneth Taylor, Cpl James Gibson.

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

Crashed in unknown circumstances into the sea, some 400 yards offshore. The aircraft sank and was lost while there were no casualties.

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

During the takeoff roll, the aircraft veered to the right, went off runway, lost its undercarriage and came to rest into trees. The aircraft was written off but there were no casualties.

Lockheed PV-1 Ventura

Just after liftoff, in initial climb, the twin engine aircraft banked left, hit the ground and crashed in flames. All four crew members were killed. Crew (21st Squadron): W/Cdr Andrew Henderson, F/Lt Alexander Baxter, F/Lt Arthur Lambie, F/Sgt William Torkington.

Lockheed L-414 Hudson

Just after liftoff, the aircraft stalled, hit the ground, went out of control and eventually crashed on a construction vehicle. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair and both pilots were slightly injured while the vehicle's driver was killed.

Lockheed PV-1 Ventura

The crew left Emirau Airport on a bombing mission to Rabaul. Following a uneventful mission and while returning to its base, the twin engine aircraft crashed in the Lelet Plateau. The wreckage was found in November 1945 only. All six crew members have been killed. Crew (8th Squadron): F/O Norman Benton, F/Sgt James Cunneen, F/Sgt Robert Buchanan, W/O Chris Jeffares, F/Sgt James Mallett, Sgt Norman Merfield.

Lockheed PV-1 Ventura

Enroute, the twin engine aircraft hit the slope of a mountain and disintegrated on impact. All five crew members were killed. As the aircraft was carrying a load of bombs, the explosion on impact was so severe that no trace of the crew was found. Crew (4th Squadron): F/O Keith Graham, Sgt Melville Moxham, F/Sgt Leo Marshall, Sgt Eric Priest, Sgt Douglas Reid.

Lockheed L-414 Hudson

On final approach, the twin engine aircraft stalled, crashed onto the runway and exploded. Two crew members were seriously injured while three others were killed. Crew: F/Lt Robert Lamason, † F/O Wilfred Hall, † LAC John Medhurst, † W/O P. Doody, LAC R. McAnich.

Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina

Shortly after takeoff from the Funafuti harbor, while climbing at a height of 15 feet, the aircraft stalled and hit the water surface. Seven crew members were rescued while three others were drowned with the seaplane that sank by 100 feet deep. Crew was from the 5th Squadron.

Lockheed PV-1 Ventura

The crew was performing a training mission out of Whenuapai AFB when the twin engine aircraft collided with a RNZAF C-47 registered NZ3501 over Kaukapakapa. The crew of the C-47 was able to return to Whenuapai AFB with minor damages and landed safely. The captain of the Ventura ordered his crew to bail out and attempted to make an emergency landing when the aircraft crashed in a field in Kaukapakapa. The pilot F/Lt William Farnsworth was killed while his crew was unhurt.

Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina

The seaplane stalled and spun into water some 10 miles south of Beqa Island, while operating with No. 6 squadron. During a post maintenance test flight, the aircraft was deliberately stalled at 5,500 feet but entered an uncontrollable spin and dove into the sea near Beqa Island. Four crew and eight passengers were killed while two crew and four passengers got clear of the wreckage before it sank and survived. Source: http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/

Lockheed PV-1 Ventura

Few minutes after take off from Piva Aerodrome, en route to Emirau Island, the twin engine aircraft crashed into the sea some 15 miles offshore. No trace of the aircraft nor the crew was ever found, except two dinghies and a headset. Crew (4th Squadron): W/Cdr Norman Lecher, F/Lt John Wright, F/Lt Harald Thomson, W/O William Boughey, F/O Barclay Harrington, Sgt Lewis Mawson, Sgt Rex Mossman.

Lockheed PV-1 Ventura

The crew was involved in a supply mission. After some of the load was dropped, while flying in a valley, the pilot increased power on both engines to leave the valley but the aircraft hit the ridge of a mountain and crashed. Four crew members were killed while the fifth occupant was seriously injured. Crew (1st Squadron): F/Sgt N. Gardiner, F/Lt Dennis Hobbs, † F/Lt Robert Scarlett, † W/O Stanley Nuttall, † F/Sgt Fred Murphy. †

Lockheed PV-1 Ventura

The crew was performing a flight from Funafuti (Tuvalu Islands) to Nausori with a load of bomb. The approach and landing were completed in strong cross winds and upon landing, the twin engine aircraft went of control, skidded and veered off runway to the right before coming to rest in a huge explosion. The aircraft was destroyed and all five occupants were killed. The explosion on final impact was largely contributed by the presence of bombs.

Lockheed PV-1 Ventura

The crew was performing a flight from Honiara-Henderson Field bound for New Zealand. While cruising off the Guadalcanal Island in poor weather conditions, the twin engine aircraft went out of control and crashed into the sea south of the island. All five crew members were killed. Crew (2nd Squadron): F/Sgt Charles St John, Sgt Stanley Claughton, F/Sgt Patrick Maher, Sgt John Leonard, Sgt Vere Mullany.

Lockheed PV-1 Ventura

En route from Gisborne to Luganville, the aircraft suffered an engine failure and crashed into the sea, killing all five crew members.

Lockheed PV-1 Ventura

The crew was engaged in a circular training flight at RNZAF Whenuapai. On final approach, the right engine failed. The captain increased the power on left engine and with full flaps, attempted a single engine approach. The aircraft banked right, went out of control and crashed into trees. Four crew members were killed while the fifth occupant was seriously injured. He died a day later. Crew (8th Squadron): F/Sgt Edward Brightwell, F/Sgt James Pederson, F/Sgt Archibald Alexander, Sgt Harold Mauger, Sgt Russell Robbie.

Supermarine Walrus

While taking off from the upper Waitemata harbor off Hobsonville, the seaplane was hit by waves, damaging the port float and wing tip. The aircraft settled back onto the water and as the port wing touched the water, nosed in and sank. Two crew members were killed while the third occupant was injured. Crew: F/O John Marshall, F/O William Morrison, LAC Whitefield.

Lockheed PV-1 Ventura

Took off at 0600LT from Luganville on a flight to Honiara. En route, the crew encountered poor weather conditions and low visibility. The last radio contact was heard at 0855LT when the aircraft was overflying the south part of the Guadalcanal Island. The twin engine aircraft hit a hill and its wreckage was found a day later. All five crewmen were killed. Crew (1st Squadron): F/O Selwyn Houghton, pilot, W/O Joseph Crisp, W/O Geoffrey Robins, W/O Albert Douglas, F/Sgt Francis Larnach.

Lockheed PV-1 Ventura

During an anti-submarine mission, one of the engine failed. The captain reduced his altitude in an attempt to ditch the aircraft when control was lost. Aircraft dove into the sea and crashed few miles off shore. All five crew members were killed. Crew (1st Squadron): P/O George Parker, P/O Thomas Vautier, F/Sgt Leo Comesky, Sgt Barry Rosenberg, Sgt Leslie Smith.

Lockheed PV-1 Ventura

En route, while flying in marginal weather conditions, the twin engine aircraft hit the base of Mt Egmont (Mt Taranaki) located south of New Plymouth. All five crew members were killed. Crew (1st OTU): F/O Jack Martin, F/Sgt Arnold Hill, Sgt Harold Day, Sgt James McKay, Sgt Frank Webb.

Lockheed PV-1 Ventura

The crew was engaged in a bombing mission over Rabaul with two other similar aircraft and left Honiara at 0525LT. While approaching the target, NZ4614 disappeared and apparently crashed into the Solomon Sea. The crew of both other aircraft started a SAR mission to find the wreckage but without success. All operations were eventually suspended on September 17 as no trace of the aircraft was found. As the Japanese forces evacuated the region in February 1944, it was concluded the crash was not caused by enemy action. Crew: F/Lt Roye Stevens, F/O John Carson, W/O Geoffrey Innes, P/O Stanley Dawson, F/O John McGuire.

Avro 652 Anson

The crew departed New Plymouth Airport at 1419LT on a navigation exercise. While cruising at an altitude of 1,200 feet, the twin engine aircraft went through a cloudy area over Mt Egmont (Mt Taranaki). Familiar with the area, the second pilot saw trees 200 feet below and took over the control to turn to the right to avoid any collision with the mountain. Unfortunately, the aircraft stalled, hit tree tops and crashed in a wooded area. F/Sgt Peterson was able to leave the crash site and walked for about seven miles to find help. On site, the rescuers were able to evacuate a second crew member alive while both other occupants were killed. Crew (SNR): F/Sgt John Paterson Cummins, pilot, † F/Sgt Maurice Roy Haycock, pilot, † Sgt B. F. A. Rough, navigator, F/Sgt A. F. Peterson, radio operator.

Lockheed L-414 Hudson

The twin engine aircraft left Nausori Airport at 0600LT with five other similar aircraft bound for Whenuapai, in New Zealand. En route, the weather conditions worsened and while in a thick cloud layer, the aircraft went out of control and crashed into the sea. SAR operations were conducted for almost a week but no trace of the aircraft nor the seven crew members was ever found. Crew (4th Squadron): F/Lt Wilbur Lange, Sgt George Bryant, P/O Kenneth Ross, F/O Sydney Aldridge, P/O Kenneth Marshall, F/O Jack Olson, F/O David Stewart.

Lockheed L-414 Hudson

The twin engine aircraft left Nausori Airport at 0600LT with five other similar aircraft bound for Whenuapai, in New Zealand. En route, the weather conditions worsened and while in a thick cloud layer, the aircraft went out of control and crashed into the sea. SAR operations were conducted for almost a week but no trace of the aircraft nor the seven crew members was ever found. Crew (4th Squadron): F/O Norman Beard, W/O Arthur Dunstan, Sgt Thomas Carey, Sgt Robert Gillespie, P/O Ivan Johnson, F/Sgt Thomas Ward, F/O John Waugh.

Airspeed AS.10 Oxford

The pilot was performing a solo training flight in the region of Wigram AFB. While circling around the airbase, the twin engine aircraft collided with another RNZAF Oxford registered NZ1284 and carrying one pilot as well. Following the collision, both aircraft went out of control, dove into the ground and crashed in a field located 3 km southeast of the airfield. Both pilots on both aircraft were killed. Crew: Sgt Robert Pettitt, pilot.

Airspeed AS.10 Oxford

The pilot was performing a solo training flight in the region of Wigram AFB. While circling around the airbase, the twin engine aircraft collided with another RNZAF Oxford registered NZ286 and carrying one pilot as well. Following the collision, both aircraft went out of control, dove into the ground and crashed in a field located 3 km southeast of the airfield. Both pilots on both aircraft were killed. It appears that NZ1284 lost a part of its wing in the collision and crashed about a mile south of the other aircraft. Crew: LAC Keith Hodge, pilot.