Crash of a Consolidated Canso off Battle Harbour: 4 killed
Date & Time:
Sep 5, 1942
Operator:
Registration:
Z2140
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Botwood - Battle Harbour
Crew on board:
6
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Circumstances:
The seaplane departed the bay of Botwood on a maritime patrol flight off Labrador. After landing at Battle Harbour, it was taxiing in the bay when it exploded on water, caught fire and sank. Four occupants were killed and six others were injured.
Crew:
F/Lt A. R. Schlacks, pilot, †
Sgt G. A. Soeder, pilot, †
P/O R. C. McAdam, navigator,
Cpl F. J. Kontzie, observer,
F/Sgt D. G. Selby, wireless operator and air gunner,
Sgt T. L. Whettell, wireless operator and air gunner.
Passengers:
J. F. Cosgrove, †
E. Snelling, †
Durrell,
W. N. Reid.
Crew:
F/Lt A. R. Schlacks, pilot, †
Sgt G. A. Soeder, pilot, †
P/O R. C. McAdam, navigator,
Cpl F. J. Kontzie, observer,
F/Sgt D. G. Selby, wireless operator and air gunner,
Sgt T. L. Whettell, wireless operator and air gunner.
Passengers:
J. F. Cosgrove, †
E. Snelling, †
Durrell,
W. N. Reid.
Probable cause:
Insufficient evidence to state definite cause, but facts point to accidental release of two depth charges which caused the initial explosion.
Final Report:
