NZ2021

On July 24, 1943 at 12:00 AM, NZ2021 experienced a crash involving Lockheed L-414 Hudson, operated by Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF, with the event recorded near Vella Lavella Island All Solomon Islands.

The flight was categorized as bombing and the reported phase was flight at a lake, sea, ocean, river crash site.

5 people were known to be on board, 4 fatalities were recorded, 1 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 80.0%.

Crew on board: 5, crew fatalities: 4, passengers on board: 0, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is terrorism act, hijacking, sabotage. While cruising along the Vella Lavella Island, the twin engine aircraft was shot down by the pilots of eight Japanese fighter and crashed into the sea. Crew abandoned the sinking aircraft but were strafed by enemy fighters. Four of them were killed while the air gunner was able to reach the shore. Crew (3rd Squadron): F/Lt William Allison, † P/O Frank Kerr, † Sgt Ronald Douglas, † Sgt James Johnstone, † Sgt Trevor Ganley.

Aircraft reference details include registration NZ2021, MSN 414-3834, year of manufacture 1941.