A three bladed propellers memorial recovered from the crash site of PBY-5 Catalina 2447
The propeller was made into a memorial with the unbent blade set into a concrete block with a memorial plaque.
PBY-5 Catalina
This propeller is from the US Navy aircraft: PBY-5 Catalina Bureau No. 2447.
The aircraft was based at Pearl Harbour.
On 7 December 1941, the aircraft survived the first wave of the Japanese surprise attack against Pearl Harbour.
Afterwards, it flew across the Pacific to Australia. In 1943, it was assigned to Patrol Squadron VP 101.
Catalinas from VP 101 were tasked to provide air cover for ship movements between Australia and New Guinea, operating from Port Moresby Seaplane Base in Fairfax Harbour, Port Moresby.
On 26 October 1943, the aircraft took off from Port Moresby Seaplane Base on a mission.
Returning from the mission, after crossing the Owen Stanley range, it entered bad weather including
tropical storms, high wind and heavy rains with practically zero visibility. Flying only on instruments it crashed killing all six (6) crew on impact.
The crash site was located by Australian forces. Remains of the crew were buried at the site. Postwar, the remains of the crew were recovered and transported to the US for permanent burial.
The aircraft crashed into large trees and vegetation at Evaroro Sogeri.
The crash site was named "Catalina" (now Catalina Plantation). |
Credit: Mathias via U.S. Embassy Port Moresby Date: January 12, 2024
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