Whenuapai - Whenuapai

On October 26, 1944 at 10:50 AM, Whenuapai - Whenuapai experienced a crash involving Lockheed PV-1 Ventura, operated by Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF, with the event recorded near Whenuapai AFB (Auckland) Auckland Council.

The flight was categorized as training and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

5 people were known to be on board, 5 fatalities were recorded, 0 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 100.0%.

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

The listed crash cause is human factor. 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.

Aircraft reference details include registration NZ4519, MSN 5532.