Sorong - Sorong

On December 17, 1959 at 12:00 AM, Sorong - Sorong experienced a crash involving Martin PBM Mariner, operated by Royal Netherlands Navy - Marineluchtvaartdienst, with the event recorded near Fakfak Special Region of West Papua.

The flight was categorized as survey / patrol / reconnaissance and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a lake, sea, ocean, river crash site.

8 people were known to be on board, 5 fatalities were recorded, 3 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 62.5%.

Crew on board: 8, crew fatalities: 5, passengers on board: 0, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

Following a maritime patrol flight from Sorong-Jefman Airport, the seaplane crashed into the Patipi Bay while trying to land off Fakfak. Five crew members were killed and three others were injured.

Aircraft reference details include registration 16-302.