Accident at sea of a PBY-5 Catalina off Australia, assumed to be Western Australia on 26 April 1942

ACCIDENT AT SEA
OFF AUSTRALIA
ASSUMED TO BE WESTERN AUSTRALIA
OF A PBY-5 CATALINA
ON 26 APRIL 1942

visits since 8 July 2007

On 26 April 1942 US Navy PBY-5 Catalina BUNO #2264, upon returning from patrol made a safe landing at sea. The aircraft was taken in tow by a whale boat and taken to a buoy. Heavy seas were running and the boat's propeller became fouled with the mooring pendant attached to buoy. Boat was stopped and an attempt was made to clear the propeller. The Boat drifted down onto the aircraft and struck the port wing tip float.

After making the buoy, an inspection showed a large dent, but no visible opening to the float. Approximately forty-five minutes later, the aircraft was observed to take a sudden list to port and then roll over. Major overhaul required.

The crew were as follows:-