Zone
Milne Bay

Crash of a Martin B-26 Marauder in Gurney

Date & Time: Dec 18, 1942
Type of aircraft:
Martin B-26 Marauder
Operator:
Registration:
40-1446
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Survey / Patrol / Reconnaissance
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
MSN:
1446
YOM:
1940
Location:
Gurney
Milne Bay
Country:
Papua New Guinea
Region:
Oceania
Crew on board:
8
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The crew was performing an armed reconnaissance mission over the Solomon Sea. While returning to base, the right engine caught fire. The pilot diverted to Gurney Airfield where the airplane crashed upon landing after the right main landing gear collapsed. All eight crew members escaped unhurt.
Crew:
1st Lt John T. Watkins Jr, pilot +7.
Probable cause:
Fire of the right engine in flight.

Crash of a Bristol 152 Beaufort V off Cape Vogel

Date & Time: Nov 24, 1942
Type of aircraft:
Bristol 152 Beaufort
Operator:
Registration:
A9-2
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Gurney - Gurney
MSN:
2
YOM:
1941
Location:
Cape Vogel
Milne Bay
Country:
Papua New Guinea
Region:
Oceania
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The twin engine airplane crashed into the sea off Cape Vogel and was damaged beyond repair. All four crew members reached the shore safely.

Crash of a Lockheed L-414 Hudson IIIA near Alotau: 4 killed

Date & Time: Oct 27, 1942
Type of aircraft:
Lockheed L-414 Hudson
Operator:
Registration:
A16-246
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Survey / Patrol / Reconnaissance
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Gurney - Gurney
MSN:
414-6499
YOM:
1942
Location:
Alotau
Milne Bay
Country:
Papua New Guinea
Region:
Oceania
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Circumstances:
The twin engine airplane departed Gurney Airfield at 0730LT on a reconnaissance mission east of Milne Bay. It failed to return to base and is believed to have crashed somewhere in the Gurney - Alotau area. No trace of the airplane nor the crew was found.
Crew (6th Squadron):
F/O D. L. Gorringe,
F/O G. D. Hum,
Sgt C. L. McCready,
Sgt J. C. McAuliffe.
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