Papua New Guinea

Shortly after takeoff from Port Moresby-7 Mile Drome, while climbing to a height of 300 feet, the n°4 engine stopped. The pilot increased power to the other engines but soon afterwards, both engines n°1 and 2 also failed. With only one engine running, the airplane was ditched in the Bootless Bay and came to rest in shallow water. All eight crew members were rescued.
Crew:
1st Lt Ealon S. Hocutt, pilot,
2nd Lt Henry W. Evans, copilot,
2nd Lt Oscar D. Olson,
2nd Lt Gordon F. Wilcox,
S/Sgt William H. Schiffer, flight engineer,
S/Sgt Donald Pinenger, radio operator,
S/Sgt George L. White, air gunner,
Sgt Raymond Quillen, air gunner.

The airplane departed Port Moresby-Wards (5 Mile Drome) on a flight to Popondetta and crashed on approach following a pilot error. There were no fatalities.

Crashed in unknown circumstances at Port Moresby-Wards Airfield and damaged beyond repair. There were no fatalities.

The airplane departed Port Moresby-Jackson (7 Mile Drome) in the late evening of December 1 on its third operation against Japanese convoy. While returning to base in the early morning, it nosed down and crashed with a 35° angle on hilly terrain located between the airports of Five Mile and Seven Mile. All nine crew members were killed.
Crew (43rd BG):
1st Lt Robert K. Freeman, pilot,
2nd Lt Clinton L. Smith, copilot,
2nd Lt Harry L. Moy,
S/Sgt Richard M. Cullisun,
S/Sgt James M. Iverson,
Sgt Wilbert H. Grogan,
Cpl Saul Berstein ,
Cpl Robert F. Wright,
Cpl Morris McFarland, air gunner.

On final approach to Dobodura Airport, the twin engine airplane was hit by enemy fire while the airfield was bombed. The aircraft crashed short of runway and was damaged beyond repair. There were no fatalities.

After takeoff from Dobodura Airfield, the airplane was shot down by a Japanese fighter and crashed. All four crew members were killed. Named 'Shady Lady', the airplane was operated as VH-CCZ.
Crew:
S/Sgt Marvin L. Brandt, pilot,
S/Sgt Quentin C. Ruecker, copilot,
Sgt Joseph G. Baltascavage, crew chief,
Cpl Hugh Mack Bryan, radio operator.

The twin engine airplane crashed into the sea off Cape Vogel and was damaged beyond repair. All four crew members reached the shore safely.

Crashed in unknown circumstances in Popondetta. There were no fatalities.

Named 'The Flying Dutchman', the airplane departed Port Moresby on a flight to Pongani on behalf of the 33rd Troop Carrier Squadron's to deliver supplies and troops from the 32nd Infantry Division and the 126th Infantry Regiment. While cruising at an altitude of 9,000 feet, the aircraft encountered severe downdrafts, lost altitude and eventually crashed against Mt Obree, in the center of PNG. Of the 23 aboard, 17 survived the crash. Many had serious injuries and burns, and died afterwards waiting for help. Eventually, some of the survivors found help and only six survived. The wreckage was rediscovered during an air search mission for a missing Piaggio on March 8, 1961. The airplane has the dual registration 41-18564 and VH-CCU.
Crew:
2nd Lt George W. Vandervort, pilot, †
Cpt Theodore W. Barron, †
T/Sgt Stephen J. Pitch, flight engineer, †
Sgt George B. Kershner, radio operator.
Passengers:
Tec Lawrence E. Peterson, †
Sgt James M. Verstay, †
Sgt Edward K. Holleman,
Pfc Gerald M. Grove, †
Pfc Frank A. Thomas, Jr.,
Pfc Malvern E. Patton, †
Pfc William L. Smith, †
Pvt Vernon R. Moak, †
Pvt Charles W. Raddatz, †
Pvt Charles I. Stokes, †
Pvt Margarito Padilla, †
Pvt Carlos D. Failin, †
Pvt Duane R. Butler,
Pvt Floyd L. August,
Pvt John W. Mobley,
Pvt John J. Bellus, †
Pvt Theodore Romero, †
Pvt Martin J. Brandon, †
Pvt Antonio T. Montes. †

The airplane departed Port Moresby-5 Mile Aerodrome at 1050LT to drop supplies to the U.S. Army 32nd Infantry Division, 126th Infantry Regiment at Bofu during their crossing of the Kapa Kapa Trail across the Owen Stanley Range. During the supply drop, one of the cargo parachutes became tangled on the tail assembly, causing the airplane to crash into a hillside. All eight occupants were killed.
Crew:
2nd Lt Harold B. Majure, pilot,
Sgt Douglas Croot, copilot,
Sgt Jack J. Deonier, flight engineer,
T/Sgt Clifford D. Stephens, radio operator.
Passengers:
Col Lawrence A. Quinn,
Cpt Harland C. Andrews,
Pvt Stanley C. Davis,
Pvt Kenneth W. Horrocks.