Singapore – Hong Kong

On November 20, 1949 at 10:00 PM, Singapore – Hong Kong experienced a crash involving Short S.25 Sunderland, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, with the event recorded near Singapore-Seletar All Singapore.

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

12 people were known to be on board, 5 fatalities were recorded, 7 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 41.7%.

Crew on board: 8, crew fatalities: 2, passengers on board: 4, passenger fatalities: 3, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is weather. The departure from Singapore-Seletar Harbor for Hong Kong was performed in poor weather conditions with high winds, turbulences and thunderstorm activity. It appears the seaplane was overloaded and after takeoff, it encountered problems to gain height and crashed into the sea. Both pilots and three passengers were killed.

Aircraft reference details include registration NJ176.