NZ4508

While completing a turn in poor weather conditions and low visibility, the twin engine aircraft crashed into the sea and exploded. A crew member was able to swim to the beach while four other occupants were killed. Crew (1st Squadron): P/O Charles Harney, † F/O Gifford Stansell, † F/Sgt Leslie Smith, † W/O James Burton, † Sgt H. Ham.

Flight / Schedule

NZ4508

Registration

NZ4508

MSN

5323

Date

December 7, 1943 at 05:43 AM

Type

CRASH

Flight Type

Survey / Patrol / Reconnaissance

Flight Phase

Flight

Crash Site

Lake, Sea, Ocean, River

Crash Location

Domo Cove All Solomon Islands

Region

Oceania • Solomon Islands

Narrative Report

On December 7, 1943 at 05:43 AM, NZ4508 experienced a crash involving Lockheed PV-1 Ventura, operated by Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF, with the event recorded near Domo Cove All Solomon Islands.

The flight was categorized as survey / patrol / reconnaissance 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.

While completing a turn in poor weather conditions and low visibility, the twin engine aircraft crashed into the sea and exploded. A crew member was able to swim to the beach while four other occupants were killed. Crew (1st Squadron): P/O Charles Harney, † F/O Gifford Stansell, † F/Sgt Leslie Smith, † W/O James Burton, † Sgt H. Ham.

Aircraft reference details include registration NZ4508, MSN 5323.

Fatalities

Total

4

Crew

4

Passengers

0

Other

0

Crash Summary

While completing a turn in poor weather conditions and low visibility, the twin engine aircraft crashed into the sea and exploded. A crew member was able to swim to the beach while four other occupants were killed. Crew (1st Squadron): P/O Charles Harney, † F/O Gifford Stansell, † F/Sgt Leslie Smith, † W/O James Burton, † Sgt H. Ham.

Occupants & Outcome

Crew On Board

5

Passengers On Board

0

Estimated Survivors

1

Fatality Rate

80.0%

Known people on board: 5

Operational Details

Flight Type

Survey / Patrol / Reconnaissance

Flight Phase

Flight

Crash Site

Lake, Sea, Ocean, River

Region / Country

Oceania • Solomon Islands

Aircraft Details

Registration

NZ4508

MSN

5323