Whenuapai – Brisbane

On August 2, 1943 at 02:30 AM, Whenuapai – Brisbane experienced a crash involving Consolidated B-24 Liberator, operated by United Airlines, with the event recorded near Whenuapai AFB (Auckland) Auckland Council.

The flight was categorized as humanitarian and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

30 people were known to be on board, 16 fatalities were recorded, 14 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 53.3%.

Crew on board: 5, crew fatalities: 3, passengers on board: 25, passenger fatalities: 13, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. United Airlines was performing this special flight from New Zealand to Brisbane on behalf of the US Consulate in order to rapatriate in Australia some Japanese and Thai refugees who should be swapped with US soldiers. Shortly after take off from runway 04 by night, the aircraft climbed in light rain and soft fog and went above the stratus layer when it banked left. It lost altitude, hit the ground at a speed of 200 knots, bounced twice and eventually crashed in a mangrove. On site, SAR could evacuate 16 injured persons while 14 other occupants were killed. A day later, two of the survivors died from their injuries. USAF confirmed that three of the crew and thirteen passengers were killed. All passengers were essentially women and children returnees.

Aircraft reference details include registration 41-24027, MSN 822, year of manufacture 1943.