|
 |
|
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
| RNZAF No. 2 Squadron |
Pilot Flight-Lieutenant Frederick N. R. Thomas, DFC Co-Pilot Flying Officer G. Shank Crew Warrant Officer G. Millar Crew Sergeant R. Budd Force Landed September 22, 1945 Aircraft History Built by Lockheed as model 237-27-01 in Burbank. Constructors Number 237-6263. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as PV-1 Ventura bureau number 49447. Disassembled and shipped to Oahu then across the Pacific to New Zealand as part of defense aid. Wartime History On May 6, 1944 assigned to the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) as Ventura NZ4618. Reassembled by Unit 45 at Hamilton Airfield. During early 1945, assigned to No. 2 Squadron at Green Island Airfield (Nissan). Mission History On September 22, 1945 during take off from Jacquinot Bay Airfield piloted by FtLt Frederick N. R. Thomas on a test flight, suffered burst tire that caused the undercarriage to collapse and sustained damage. Afterwards, written off and abandoned. Wreckage Until at least the early 1970s, the wreckage of this aircraft remained at Jacquinot Bay Airfield. During 1972-1973 parts were salvaged from this Ventura and later used in the restoration of RB-34 NZ4600 by the Museum of Transportation and Technology (MoTaT). References Navy Serial Number Search Results - PV-1 Ventura 49447 "49447 (MSN 237-6263) to New Zealand Apr 18, 1944 as NZ4618. Crashed on takeoff Jacquinot Bay, New Britain Sep 22, 1945 when a tire burst on takeoff for a test flight and the undercarriage collapsed." ADF Serials - PV-1 NZ4618 Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated June 29, 2024 |
 PV-1 Photo Archive |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
