CRASH OF A PBY-5 CATALINA
ON A BEACH, AUSTRALIA,
ASSUMED TO BE WESTERN AUSTRALIA
ON 2 FEBRUARY 1943

On 2 February 1943, US Navy PBY-5 Catalina, BUNO #02961 was run up on beach somewhere in Australia, possibly Western Australia, while making a full load night time take-off. The pilot did not properly acquaint himself with the obstruction lights in the area. During take-off he mistook a red light on the beach for the one normally used as the end of the take-off lane.

Damage:-  Port wing crushed, port wing tip float assembly badly damaged. Major damage to nose wheel assembly and doors and to port side of hull forward of mechanics compartment. Major overhaul recommended.

The crew were not injured and were as follows:-

Pilot. Lt. Lester C. Kee
Lt(jg). Waldreck
CAP. W. B. Kurlak
AMM2c. W. B. Hubbard
AMM3c. H. M. Davis
RM1c. R. L. Carrier
RM2c. W. W. Draper

Does anyone know the location of the incident?

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I'd like to thank Terence Geary and Greg Shea for their assistance with this web page.

Can anyone help me with more information on this crash?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 8 July 2007

This page last updated 03 February 2020