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PV-1 Ventura (NZ4560) crash October 5 1944

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2016 5:15 pm
by Uncleo1
Hi , I am searching info about the Royal New Zealand Air Force flight out of Henderson Airbase , on 5 October 1944.

The Radio operator/Airgunner was an uncle and I am keen to contact anybody still alive who served at Henderson at the time.

Also looking for pictures of the RNZAF Ventura crews around at that time.

What I have been able to find out is that that NZ4560 was one of three Venturas on an antisubmarine exercise.

She overheated one engine and could not keep up with the patrol.

The pilot Tom Vautier attempted to ditch her in the lagoon at Olevuga Island (in the Florida Group ?)

Coordinates 8 degrees 56 minutes SOUTH and 160 Degrees 07 minutes. 02.23 EAST

In the event , she apparently stalled at low altitude and cartwheeled into the lagoon with no survivors.