Zone

Crash of a Martin PBM-5G Mariner off Swatow Island: 9 killed

Date & Time: Jan 18, 1953
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
84738
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
84738
YOM:
1945
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
9
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
9
Circumstances:
The seaplane was engaged in a rescue mission after a USN Neptune was shot down off the Swatow Island. All 11 crew members of the Neptune were transferred on board the USS Halsey Powell. While taking off from rough seas, the airplane went out of control and crashed, killing all nine crew members including the following five USCG personnel:
Ltjg G. W. Stuart,
Alc W. J. Hammond,
Al1 C. R. Tornell,
Ao1 J. R. Bridge,
Ad3 T. W. Miller.

Crash of a Lockheed P2V-5 Neptune off Swatow Island

Date & Time: Jan 18, 1953
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
127744
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
426-5078
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
11
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
While completing a maritime patrol flight, the aircraft was shot down by the pilot of a Chinese AF fighter and crashed into the sea off the Swatow Island. The airplane was lost and all 11 crew members were evacuated and transferred to the USS Halsey Powell.
Probable cause:
Shot down by the pilot of a Chinese fighter.