Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer

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.

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.

On final approach to New Orleans-Moisant Airport, the airplane collided with trees and skidded for about 500 metres onto the runway. The copilot Oswin William Moll was killed and another crew member was injured. Eight others escaped unhurt.

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.

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.

Engaged in an exercise, the aircraft collided in flight with another USN Privateer registered 59437 and carrying 13 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.

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.

After takeoff from Miami-Master Field Runway 22, the crew retracted the landing and continued to climb. While making a shallow turn to the right in accordance with airport departure procedures, the control tower personnel at Master Field informed the crew about a fire on the engine n°3. The crew did not acknowledge this transmission. While turning at a height of 700-800 feet, the airplane started to lose altitude and crashed in an open field located 3 km from the airport, bursting into flames. A crew was able to bail out and survived with no injuries while 14 other occupants were killed.
Crew:
Lt J. G. William, pilot, †
Ens R. Bradburn, †
Ens L. L. Roof. †
Passengers:
Amm3c N. D. Stockman, †
Amm3c A. A. Cassiol, †
Arm3c J. D. Robinson, †
Aom1c R. E. Schlenker, †
Aom2c F. Fleischer, †
Aom1c C. E. Volk, †
Aom3c R. V. Peterman, †
Aom3c E. W. Chapman, †
Aom3c J. E. McIntyre, †
Phom1c C. H. McClure, †
Aom1c T. H. Oswald, †
Aom2c W. J. DeRoche.

The airplane departed Miami on a training flight and failed to return from operation. It is believed that it crashed somewhere into the Atlantic Ocean. No trace was ever found. All 17 crew members were killed.

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.