NZ4031
Flight / Schedule
NZ4031
Aircraft
Consolidated PBY-5A CatalinaRegistration
NZ4031
MSN
28120
Operator
Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAFDate
April 13, 1945 at 06:20 AM
Type
CRASHFlight Type
Military
Flight Phase
Takeoff (climb)
Crash Site
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Crash Location
Funafuti All Tuvalu
Region
Oceania • Tuvalu
Crash Cause
Human factor
Narrative Report
On April 13, 1945 at 06:20 AM, NZ4031 experienced a crash involving Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina, operated by Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF, with the event recorded near Funafuti All Tuvalu.
The flight was categorized as military and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a lake, sea, ocean, river crash site.
10 people were known to be on board, 3 fatalities were recorded, 7 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 30.0%.
Crew on board: 10, crew fatalities: 3, passengers on board: 0, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.
The listed crash cause is human factor. Shortly after takeoff from the Funafuti harbor, while climbing at a height of 15 feet, the aircraft stalled and hit the water surface. Seven crew members were rescued while three others were drowned with the seaplane that sank by 100 feet deep. Crew was from the 5th Squadron.
Aircraft reference details include registration NZ4031, MSN 28120.
Fatalities
Total
3
Crew
3
Passengers
0
Other
0
Crash Summary
Shortly after takeoff from the Funafuti harbor, while climbing at a height of 15 feet, the aircraft stalled and hit the water surface. Seven crew members were rescued while three others were drowned with the seaplane that sank by 100 feet deep. Crew was from the 5th Squadron.
Cause: Human factor
Occupants & Outcome
Crew On Board
10
Passengers On Board
0
Estimated Survivors
7
Fatality Rate
30.0%
Known people on board: 10
Operational Details
Operator
Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAFFlight Type
Military
Flight Phase
Takeoff (climb)
Crash Site
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Region / Country
Oceania • Tuvalu
Aircraft Details
Similar Plane Crashes
United States Navy - USN
Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina
Crew was performing a night flight in formation with another Catalina registered 0462. While cruising side by side in heavy rain falls, both aircraft collided and crashed into the sea, off the San Clemente Island, some 110 km west of San Diego. All occupants on board 0462 were killed while three crew survived in the 0463.
United States Navy - USN
Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina
Crew was performing a night flight in formation with another Catalina registered 0463. While cruising side by side in heavy rain falls, both aircraft collided and crashed into the sea, off the San Clemente Island, some 110 km west of San Diego. All occupants on board 0462 were killed while three crew survived in the 0463.
United States Coast Guard - USCG
Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina
Crashed in unknown circumstances off Kaena, Oahu Island, Hawaii. Four crew were killed as two other were injured.
United States Navy - USN
Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina
Crashed while landing off North Island-Halsey Field NAS. Crew fate unknown as well.
Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF
Airspeed AS.10 Oxford
The crew was performing a training flight and left in the morning the Wigram AFB. After completing an artillery exercise in Birdlings Flat, the crew continued his route to Akaroa. Pilot made a low pass over the main street followed by a steep turn during which the aircraft stalled and crashed in flames near houses. Both crew were killed while two people on the ground were seriously injured.
Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF
Airspeed AS.10 Oxford
The crew, two students and an instructor, was performing a training flight. After departure from Dunedin-Taieri Airport, while in initial climb, the twin engine aircraft did not gain sufficient altitude. The pilot made a sharp turn to avoid trees when the aircraft stalled and crashed. A crew was killed while both others were seriously injured. Crew (1st SFTS): S/L Kitson, instructor, † P/O P. McNab, AC1 R. Kilpatrick.