Funafuti – Nausori

On December 4, 1944 at 04:49 PM, Funafuti – Nausori experienced a crash involving Lockheed PV-1 Ventura, operated by Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF, with the event recorded near Nausori All Fiji Islands.

The flight was categorized as military 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 weather. The crew was performing a flight from Funafuti (Tuvalu Islands) to Nausori with a load of bomb. The approach and landing were completed in strong cross winds and upon landing, the twin engine aircraft went of control, skidded and veered off runway to the right before coming to rest in a huge explosion. The aircraft was destroyed and all five occupants were killed. The explosion on final impact was largely contributed by the presence of bombs.

Aircraft reference details include registration NZ4550, MSN 5899.