Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer

Hawkins %26 Powers Aviation

The airplane was maneuvering to deliver fire retardant when its left wing separated. Aircraft control was lost and the airplane crashed into mountainous terrain. A witness on the ground took a series of photographs that showed the air tanker's left wing separating at the wing root and the remaining airplane entering a 45-degree dive to the ground in a counterclockwise roll. An examination of the airplane wreckage revealed extensive areas of preexisting fatigue in the left wing's forward spar lower spar cap, the adjacent spar web, and the adjacent area of the lower wing skin. The portion of the wing containing the fatigue crack was obscured by the retardant tanks and would not have been detectable by an exterior visual inspection. An examination of two other air tankers of the same make and model revealed the area where the failure occurred on the accident airplane was in a location masked by the airplane's fuselage construction. The airplane was manufactured in 1945 and was in military service until 1956. It was not designed with the intention of operating as a firefighting airplane. In 1958, the airplane was converted to civilian use as an airtanker and served in that capacity until the time of the accident. The investigation revealed that the owner developed service and inspection procedures for the airtanker; however, the information contained in the procedures did not adequately describe where and how to inspect for critical fatigue cracks. The procedures were based on U.S Navy PB4Y-2 airplane structural repair manuals that had not been revised since 1948.

Hawkins %26 Powers Aviation

During the takeoff roll at Ramona Airport, the airplane went out of control, veered off runway and came to rest. While both pilots escaped uninjured, the airplane was damaged beyond repair.

Hawkins %26 Powers Aviation

During 1975, '13D was under contract to the US Department of the Interior and based at Anchorage, Alaska. Total flight time was approximately 1475 hours. On Friday, 8 August 197 5, the aircraft was being flown back to the lower 48 States from Anchorage with an eventual destination of Greybull, Wyoming. One engine had been shut down due to its running rough, and we understand that a planned fuel stop at Ketchikan, Alaska, was missed because of bad weather. Shortly after midnight on Saturday, 9 August, after seven hours of flight, BuNo 59876 ran out of fuel, and the engines that were still in operation began to quit! Luckily, they were over the northern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, and below was the 5000 foot paved runway at Port Hardy. Unbelievably , during final approach with only one engine still running, the pilot considered he was too high to land and attempted to go-around! The aircraft struck the ground during the turn, crashed through the airport perimeter fence, crossed the rock and driftwood strewn beach, and came to rest in the ocean, approximately 100 yards offshore! When the radio operator in the control tower lost contact with the plane, he immediately sounded the alarm in the airport fire station. Since no aircraft, nor fire, could be seen, it was felt the plane must have gone down short of the airport, and a search was started in that area. When the aircraft finally came to a stop, the two-man crew was unsure of where they were and what had happened. Almost immediately, the cockpit started to fill with water, and the men struggled to climb out a roof escape hatch. After standing on top of the aircraft for a short while, they spotted a seat cushion floating by, grabbed it, and swam the hundred or so yards to shore. When they arrived on land, their legs were so cold they could not stand. After a short rest, the crew scrambled in the dark over logs and through bushes, and made it to the airport boundary fence. During this same time period, the fire and rescue crews decided the plane must have gone off the runway and into the ocean, so they returned to the airport to resume their search. As the pilot and copilot approached the fence, they saw an emergency vehicle speed toward them down the runway and then continue on by until it stopped at the hole in the fence where the plane had crashed through on its way to the ocean. A short time later, another truck arrived. They were able to get the attention of the driver by shouting and waving. The flight crew was taken to the fire hall where they were given blankets and hot drinks until an ambulance took them to the hospital for examination. Both the pilot and copilot received only minor injuries during their ordeal. The pilot was fired by H&P, but the copilot remained with the company, only to be killed in the crash of a C119 during 1980. N6813D received substantial damage to its nose gear and underbelly, and the left wing tip and flap were destroyed. Source: http://pb4y-2.org/pdf/all.pdf

SS%26T Aerial Contractors

The crew departed Tucson Airport in the early morning on a firefighting mission in the region of Safford. While flying at low height over the forest in fire, the airplane struck trees and crashed in a mountain slope. The aircraft was totally destroyed and both occupants were killed.

Hawkins %26 Powers Aviation

Following a fire fighting mission in the region of Wenatchee, the crew was returning to Wenatchee-Pangborn Airport. On short final, the airplane crashed in flames short of runway threshold and came to rest. Both pilots were slightly injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Rosenbalm Aviation

The crew was engaged in a firefighting mission and departed Medford Airport around noon. En route, three engines stopped and/or lost power and the crew lost control of the airplane that crashed into Diamond Lake. While the aircraft was damaged beyond repair, both crew members were injured.

Hawkins %26 Powers Aviation

The crew departed Greybull on a firefighting mission. While flying at low height, the aircraft went through the smoke when it struck tree tops and crashed in flames in a wooded area. Both pilots were killed.

Avery Aviation

The crew was engaged in a fire fighting mission near McGrath. While flying at low height, the airplane stuck the slope of a mountain and crashed, killing all four occupants.

Republic of China Air Force

The crew was involved in a supply mission to Kuomintang guerrillas in east Burma. While flying at low height, the four engine aircraft was shot down by the pilot of a Burma Air Force Hawker Sea Fury. Two crew members were able to bail out and were later recovered. Out of control, the Privateer crashed in the jungle located in a mountainous region of Doi Tung. Four other crew members were killed. The Burmese Hawker Sea Fury registered UB-466 was hit by return fire and crashed shorty later, killing its pilot Noel Peters.

International Air Applicators

Crashed in unknown circumstances. Crew fate unknown.

United States Navy - USN

Lt. Thorson, pilot, and Lt. Shook, copilot, were scheduled for a local 2 ½ hour training flight in P4Y-2 registered 59695 at 0930LT. Due to marginal VFR conditions, they were briefed to conduct GCA runs and remain in the local pattern until the weather improved. The pilots completed the engine run-up and the take-off checklist (inadvertently missing the flaps). the tower informed the aircraft that the field was VFR and cleared the aircraft for take-off. The aircraft became airborne just prior to reaching the end of the runway in a near level attitude, no more than one to two feet in the air. As it passed the end of the runway and over the waters edge, a drop of about 10 feet, the loss of ground effect caused it to settle immediately. The aircraft settled to the water at full power about 300 feet from the end of the 5,000 foot runway. The aircraft planed on the main gear and belly and settled to a stop about 5,000 yards past the point of initial impact. An orderly ditching procedure followed. All personnel were out of the aircraft in approximately 45 seconds and in life rafts shortly thereafter. The aircraft sank in 175 feet of water in approximately 2 ½ minutes. The personnel were rescued by the NAS Seattle crash boat about 4 minutes later. Lt. Shook and one crewman received minor injuries while vacating the aircraft. During the run-out on the water, the bomb bay doors ripped open and one bomb bay tank was torn loose from the aircraft. All propeller blades were slightly bent from impact with the water. No other damage is believed to have occurred to the aircraft. Salvage operations commenced on August 28, 1956, and the aircraft was raised to the surface on August 31, 1956. However, a shackle pin to the hoisting sling broke while attempting to tow the aircraft ashore and the aircraft again sank to a depth of 210 feet. Lines had been secured to the two inboard engines and the engines broke off at the mounts when the sling shackle pin gave way. Further efforts to salvage the aircraft were abandoned as uneconomical. Source: http://www.memorieshop.com/Seattle/LakeWashington/PB4Y-2.html

United States Navy - USN

Crashed in unknown circumstances in Chincoteague, Virginia. Crew fate remains unknown.

French Navy

Shot down by enemy antiaircraft fire and crashed near Son La. Seven crew members were killed while two others were injured. Crew: M. Monguillon, pilot, M. Royssat, pilot, M. Le Coz, navigator, M. Bouissou, mechanic, M. Stephan, mechanic, M. Hoog, radio operator, M. Lacrosse, radio operator, M. Carpenter, gunner, M. Keromnes, gunner.

United States Navy - USN

While conducting a survey flight of the iced continent, the crew encountered white conditions when the airplane hit the slope of a mountain located near Grise Fiord. All nine crew members were killed.

French Navy

Shot down by enemy antiaircraft fire while overflying Ði<U+1EC7>n Biên Ph<U+1EE7>. All nine crew members were killed. Crew: M. Manfanovski, pilot, M. Gauthiez, pilot, M. Ruello-Kermellin, navigator, M. Puyjalinet, mechanic, M. Iltis, radio operator, M. Guiliano, radio operator, M. Chaigne, radio operator, M. Bourson, gunner, M. Paumier, gunner.

United States Navy - USN

While flying at low altitude into the typhoon Doris, the aircraft (VW-3) crashed into the ocean in unclear circumstances off Agrihan Island. No trace of the aircraft nor the crew was found.

United States Navy - USN

While cruising at an altitude of 5,000 feet, the crew encountered poor weather conditions. In low visibility, the aircraft registered 59937 (VP-9) hit the slope of the Black Peak and disintegrated on impact. SAR operations were conducted but eventually suspended few days later as no trace of the aircraft nor the crew was found. The wreckage was spotted and localized in July 1953. All 10 occupants have been killed and the aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire. The airplane was on its way from NAS Alameda to NAS Whidbey Island, carrying two Navy Officers and a crew of eight. Crew: Lt Leland R. Stegemerten, pilot, Lt David Jarvis, copilot, Adc C. C. Longacre, At1 T. W. Huffman, Ao3 J. A. Kerrigan, Ao3 J. L. McDonnell, Ad3 H. L. Ziemba, Adan T. J. Whited. Passengers: Cpt Julian David Greer, Lt O. C. Everhart.

United States Navy - USN

While performing a local training flight, the airplane registered 59923 (VP-772) hit the slope of Mt South located in the Olympic Mountain range, about 14 miles northwest of Shelton. All 11 crew members were killed.

United States Navy - USN

The final approach to Argentia NAS was completed in low visibility due to poor weather conditions when the airplane hit tree tops and crashed few km short of runway threshold. Six crew members were killed while two others were injured. The aircraft was destroyed.

French Navy

Shortly after takeoff from Saigon-Tân Son Nhât Airport, while in initial climb, the airplane went out of control and crashed in a huge explosion. A pilot was seriously injured while 12 other crew members were killed. Crew: Cpt Audibert, chief of staff for the 8.F. fleet, pilot, † M. Thedenat, pilot, M. Lasalle, mechanic, † M. Dupont, mechanic, † M. Rousse, radio operator, † M. Coche, mechanic, † M. Froget, radio operator, † M. Deberghes, navigator, † M. Blin, navigator, † M. Depré, gunner, † Cpt Venot, chief of the Tân Son Nhât Airbase, † M. Enault, mechanic, † M. Souret, mechanic. †

United States Navy - USN

Crashed in unknown circumstances. Crew fate remains unknown.

United States Navy - USN

Shortly after takeoff from Atsugi NAS, while in initial climb, two engines failed, causing the aircraft to stall and to crash 6 km east of the airfield. All 12 crew members were killed.

French Navy

Crashed on approach following an engine failure. A crew member was killed, pilot Perrault.

United States Navy - USN

Few minutes after its takeoff from Adak Airport, en route for a maritime patrol flight, the airplane hit the slope of a mountain located on the Little Tanaga Island. The wreckage was found about 20 miles southeast of Adak Airport and all 10 crew members were killed. Crew: Berdel A. Cook, William H. Diana Jr., Frank M. Sueley, George Y. Jenkins, James G. Mallard, Frank W. Mullick, Marvin P. Huber, Anthony C. Molina, Wilford E. Tacie, Donald R. McNair.

United States Navy - USN

Crashed in flames while taking off from Shemya Airport, Aleutians Islands. All nine crew members were killed. Crew: Arthur Samuel MacFarlane, pilot, William Horace Somerville, John Frederick Jackson Jr., Roy Thomas Pevehouse, Edward McCamley Jr., Charles Richard Post, Teddy Richard Smith, George H. Little, James L. McDonnelly.

United States Navy - USN

Following a training mission over the North Pacific Ocean, the crew was returning to Cold Bay Airport when on descent, the airplane hit the slope of a mountain located on the Amak Island, about 20 miles northwest of Cold Bay Airport. All 12 crew members were killed. Crew: Edwin Roy Park, pilot, Robert Wilfred Conklon, Henry Howard Wood, Leonard Walter Sexton, Elnord Ellis Flinkfelt, Ronald Lee Hunt, Brook Alton Williams, Bobby Enloe, Joseph Dale Whitherspoon, Edwin Francis Busbi Jr., Charles Wyalis Elkins, William Stuart Wagner.

United States Navy - USN

The crew was performing a local training flight when control was lost. The aircraft crashed into the Possession Sound, less than a mile off Smith Island. All nine crew members were killed. The aircraft was registered 59657 (VP-871).

United States Navy - USN

Shortly after a night takeoff from Iwakuni Airbase, while climbing, the aircraft hit the top of a hill located on the Atata Island, about 6 km northeast of the airbase. All nine crew members were killed.

United States Navy - USN

The crew was completing a local training sortie from NAS Whidbey Island. On final approach to runway 25, the aircraft went out of control and crashed into the Skagit Bay, about five miles east of the airfield. Five crew members were killed while five others were injured.

United States Navy - USN

Swerved on landing and came to rest. There were no casualties but the aircraft was written off. It was returning to Port-Lyautey (later Kénitra) Airport following a maritime patrol flight over the Atlantic Ocean.

United States Navy - USN

The aircraft left Udine-Campoformido Airport at 1220LT on a one hour flight to Rome-Ciampino. While approaching the capital city from the sea, the airplane apparently suffered a loss of power and crashed into the sea off Fiumicino. Five crew members were rescued while seven others were killed. The aircraft broke in two while contacting water and sank. It is reported from another source that the accident occurred shortly after takeoff from Athens-Hellenikon Airport.

United States Navy - USN

Swerved on landing and came to rest. There were no casualties but the aircraft was written off.

United States Navy - USN

The crew was performing a local training sortie from NAS Whidbey Island. While cruising at an altitude of 4,000 feet, the aircraft went into a dive and crashed into the Saratoga Passage, near the Puget Sound. All seven crew members were killed. Aircraft was registered 59840 (VP-931).

United States Navy - USN

The airplane left Wiesbaden Airport in Germany for an electronic surveillance mission over the Baltic Sea to localize Soviet submarines. While cruising over the Baltic Sea, the aircraft was intercepted and shot down by the pilots of four Soviet Air Force Lavochkin La-11. Out of control, it crashed into the sea about 16 km off Liepaja, Latvia. All 10 crew members were killed.

United States Navy - USN

En route, the aircraft suffered an engine failure and the pilot attempted an emergency landing when the aircraft crash landed in a field located in Mikkalo. A crew member was killed while six other occupants were injured.

United States Navy - USN

On final approach to Patuxent River NAS, the aircraft crashed 2 miles short of runway threshold. Two crew members were killed while six others were injured.

United States Navy - USN

While on approach to Port Moller harbor, the seaplane crashed in unknown circumstances in the sea (nine miles off shore?). The wreckage was not found and all 12 occupants were presumed dead.

United States Navy - USN

The crew was completing a short flight from Agana NAS to Rota Island. On final approach to runway 27, in poor weather conditions, the aircraft was too low and hit a cliff located about 2 miles from the runway threshold. All 12 crew members were killed. Crew: Lt Thomas C. O'Connor, Russell G. Delany, Walter R. Delaney, Charles D. Rudolph, Trafton R. Lee, John A. Beland, Carl H. Christensen, Charles G. Degarimore, Clarence Pinkerton, Paul D. McDonald, Lt William L. Wise, Frederick A. Earle Chaero.

United States Navy - USN

On final approach to Corpus Christi NAS, the aircraft hit tree tops and crashed. At least one crew member was killed.

United States Navy - USN

On final approach to Whidbey Island-Ault Field NAS, the aircraft was too low, hit tree tops and crashed in flames. All five crew members were killed.

United States Navy - USN

Engaged in an exercise, the aircraft collided in flight with another USN Privateer registered 59721 and carrying 10 crew members. The collision occurred in unknown circumstances and both aircraft went out of control, dove into the ground and crashed in a wooded area located in Munson, some 35 miles northeast of Pensacola. All 23 crew members in both aircraft were killed.

United States Navy - USN

On 30 November, PB4Y-2A, Bureau Number 59777, attached to VPB 122, piloted by Lt. JG John Edgar McMillan, took off from NAS Kodiak, Alaska, for Whidbey Island carrying a crew of eight and seventeen passengers. The plane was last heard from at 1747Z reporting position on the south west leg of Yakataga, estimating the southwest leg of Sitka at 1825Z. Through the entire coastal route from Kodiak to Whidbey Island has been searched thoroughly, no trace of the plane or occupants has ever been found.

Royal Air Force - RAF

En route, while flying over the North Atlantic, the aircraft disappeared in unknown circumstances. SAR operations were conducted but eventually suspended after two weeks as no trace of the aircraft nor the 15 occupants was found. All passengers were US, Canadian and British Officers who were flying back to the UK after taking part to a military conference in Washington DC.

United States Navy - USN

The crew left Tinian Island bound for Tokyo to perform aerial photography of the Japanese Imperial fleet based in the Tokyo Bay. While overflying the Tokyo Bay at a height of 500 feet, the seaplane was shot down by Japanese antiaircraft fire and crashed into the bay. Two crew members were rescued while 13 others were killed

United States Navy - USN

The crew was on his way to RAF Dunkeswell, Devon, following a flight from the US. While flying over Manchester, the crew was informed that RAF Dunkeswell was closed to traffic due to unfavorable weather conditions. The crew tried several times to locate the airport but without success. Eventually, all 10 occupants decided to abandon the aircraft and bailed out. Out of control, the aircraft crashed on peat moorland named Broken Bround and located some ten miles East of Manchester, near Mossley. While the aircraft was destroyed, all ten occupants were unhurt.