Pouembout-Plaine des Gaïacs AFB

The airplane departed Pouembout-Plaine des Gaïacs AFB on a flight to Brisbane. About 30 minutes into the flight, the crew encountered engine problems and elected to return to Pouembout for an emergency landing. On final approach, the crew realized that another airplane was partially obstructing the runway so the pilot landed short beyond the parked plane. After landing, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance, overran, lost its undercarriage and came to a stop, bursting into flames. All crew members escaped unhurt while the airplane was destroyed by fire.
Crew:
1st Lt John P. McLean, pilot,
S/Sgt Andrew M. Rezin, crew chief.

The twin engine airplane crashed upon landing at Pouembout-Plaine des Gaïacs AFB and was damaged beyond repair. There were no casualties.

The airplane departed Pouembout-Plaine des Gaiacs AFB (New Caledonia) on a maritime patrol flight over the Solomon Sea. While cruising off Rendova Island, the crew intercepted a Japanese flying boat but was shot down. The airplane entered a dive and crashed on Rendova Island. All nine crew members were killed.
Crew (11th BG):
Cpt Robert H. Richards, pilot,
1st Lt Robert H. McGhee, copilot,
2nd Lt William F. B. Morris, navigator,
S/Sgt Charles E. Bayer, bombardier,
Cpl Otis O. Black Jr., flight engineer,
Cpl Yvon W. Bailey, assistant to the flight engineer,
Sgt Hugh M. King, radio operator,
Cpl Peter Charuk, air gunner,
Pvt William Omanoff, air gunner.