Catalina PBY - 5, and PB2B - 1, NZ 4001 to NZ 4056, 1944 to 1956

6 Sqn RNZAF

Design:
Isaac Laddon

Company:
Boeing [PB2B-1]
USA: Naval Aircraft Factory
Canada: Vickers
Canada: Boeing
USSR: ?

Wing Span:
104 ft 0 in 31.70 M

Wing Area:
1,400 sq ft 130 Sq M

Length:
63 ft 10 1/2 in 19.47 M

Height:
18 ft 10 5/8 in 5.76 M

Ceiling:
13,000 ft

Speed at 10,500 ft:
190 MPH 306 KPH at 3,200M

Range:
3,000 miles

T/O Weight:
27,080 lb 12,283 Kg

First Flight:
21 March 1935

Crew:
1 Pilot
1 Co-Pilot
1 Navigator
1 Flight Engineer
1 Signaller
1 Radar Operator
1 Nose Gunner
2 Beam Gunners
1 Ventral Gunner

Role:
Anti Submarine Patrols
Air Sea Rescue
Maritime Reconnaissance

Total Manufactured:
3,290 all Marks plus USSR Production

Armament:
1 x .303 in machine gun in bow turret
1 x .5 in machine gun in each beam blister
1 x .303 in machine gun in ventral turret – aft of hull stop
Up To
2,000 Lb 907 Kg bombs internal
2,000 Lb 907 Kg external on wing racks
2 Torpedoes

Years Served: 1943 to 1956

Qty Served: 56

Tail Nos:
PBY-5 [Patrol Bomber Consolidated Aircraft manufacturer]
NZ 4001 to NZ 4022

PB2B – 1 [Patrol Bomber - 2B = Boeing Canada]
NZ 4023 to NZ 4056

ENGINE

Qty: 2

Type:
Pratt and Whitney R1830 - 92 twin wasp

14 cylinder radial, 2 row, air-cooled

Horse Power:
1,200 HP

Bore:
5.5 in 139.7 mm

Stroke:
5.5 in 139.7 mm

Volume:
1829.4 cu in 29.978 L

Compression Ratio:
6.7 to 1

Max RPM:
2,700 RPM

Fuel:
100/130 Octane

Oil:
OMD 370

Length:
59.06 in 1,500 mm

Diameter:
48.03 in 1,2220 mm

Weight:
1,162 to 1,467 Lbs

Power to Weight Ratio:
0.96 hp/lb 1.58 kw/Kg

First Run:
1931

Qty Produced:
173,618

Engine servicing

Flown by:
5 Sqn
6 Sqn
490 [NZ] RAF Sqn
6 TAF
3 [FB] OTU

NZ 4002 Mk IV ‘Lend Lease’ from RAF
NZ 4003
NZ 4005
NZ 4011

Rest USN ‘Lend Lease’

RTP = Reduce To Produce [scrap]
OTU = Operational Training Unit
Inst = Instructional non flying aeroplane/engine
A/C = Aircraft
USN = United States Navy
Disp = Disposal
Sqn. = Squadron
Dumbo = Search and Rescue mission
Hrs = Hours

XX = 6 Sqn
KN = 5 Sqn
GF = 3 OTU
PA = 5 Sqn [early]

NZ 4001

Constructors Number: 1194
Type: PBY-5
USN No.: Bu 08280
Code letter XX – A
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 4 Apr 43
On 6 Sqn
To 3 OTU
Damaged at Laucala Bay, 9 Aug 45
A/C sunk onto starbord wing when
starboard beaching gear folded
Written off at Laucala Bay, 11 Sep 45 [22 Sep 45 ?]

NZ 4002

Constructors No: 1334
Type: PBY – 5
USN No.: JX 232
Code letter XX –B
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 12 May 43
On 6 Sqn
Elevator trim tabs incorrectly set while
doing night circuits,
Crashed into the sea from 200 Ft, burst into
flame, 4 crew killed, 2050 on 23 Sep 43
Written off, RTP, 8 Nov 43
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/1075

NZ 4003

Constructors No.: 1336
Type: PBY – 5
USN No. JX 234
Code letter XX - C
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 15 May 43
On 6 sqn
Water Looped and struck a liberty ship in
Segond Channel, written off, 31 Oct 43
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/1129

NZ 4004

Constructors No.: 1297
Type: PBY – 5
USN No.: Bu 08373
Code letter XX – D
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 21 May 43
Stbd engine failure 1½ Hrs from Suva
flying to Halvao Bay, 18 Jan 45
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2067
On 6 Sqn
To 3 OTU
Converted to Inst 120, at Hobsonville,
1TTS 46
Declared surplus and scrapped at Hobsonville: 52

NZ 4005

Constructors No,: 1335
Type: PBY -5
USN No.: JX 233
Code letter XX – E
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 21 May 43
On 6 Sqn
To 3 OTU
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville [Disp No 3795]: 52

NZ 4006

Constructors No.: 1338
Type: PBY – 5
USN No.: JX 236
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 21 May 43
On 6 Sqn
Missing on Suva to Auckland trip, some
wreckage found on the Islands
South of Laucala Bay,
7 crew, and 8 Passengers all listed missing
presumed killed, 4 Jun 43
Worst RNZAF air crash to that date.
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/912

NZ 4007

Constructors No.: 1339
Type: PBY – 5
USN No.: JX 237
Code letter XX - F
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 21 May 43
On 6 Sqn
To 3 OTU
Struck Coral Reef at Tongatuaba, 11 Nov 43
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/1178
Engine failure at Halavo Bay, 20 May 45
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2219
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville [Disp No. 3795], 52

NZ 4008

Constructors No,: 1332
Type: PBY – 5
USN No.: JX 230
Code letter XX – J
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 1 Jun 43
On 6 Sqn
To 3 OTU
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville [Disp No. 3795] 52

NZ 4009

Constructors No.: 1333
Type: PBY – 5
USN No.: JX 231
Code letter XX – K
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 12 Jun 43
On 6 Sqn
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4010

Constructors No: 1251
Type: PBY – 5
USN No.: JX 228
Code letter XX – L
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 16 Jun 43
On 6 Sqn.
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 53

NZ 4011

Constructors No.: 1337
Type: PBY – 5
USN No.: JX 235
Code letter XX - M
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 16 Jun 43
On 6 Sqn.
Engine failure during Anti – Sub patrol
out of Havalo Bay, 11 Jan 45
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2045
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 1952

NZ 4012

Constructors No.: 1384
Type: PBY – 5

Code letter XX – N
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 20 Jun 43
On 6 Sqn.
Heavy landing at Havalo Bay, 14 Jul 44
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/1682
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4013

Constructors No.: 1402
Type: PBY – 5
USN No.: Bu 08468
Code letter XX – O
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 6 Jul 43
Hit reef during taxi at Havavo Bay, 24 April 44
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/1466
Water looped on take off after a “ Dumbo”
2 crew of a J2F Grumman Duck
rescue mission in Segond Channel,
on take off the A/C water looped,
and damaged a float,
Towed by U S Ship, Stbd float collapsed,
the tow broke, A/C capsized and sunk, 11 Oct 44
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/1853

NZ 4014

Constructors No.: 1398
Type: PBY – 5
USN No.: Bu 08464
Code letter XX – P
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 11 Jul 43
On 6 Sqn.
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4015

Constructors No.: 1387
Type: PBY – 5
USN No.: Bu 08453
Code letter XX – R
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 12 Jul 43
On 6 Sqn.
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4016

Constructors No.: 1400
Type: PBY – 5
USN No.: Bu 08466
Code letter XX – S
Arrived in Laucala Bay, Fiji, 13 Jul 43
On 6 Sqn.
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4017

Constructors No. 1401
Type: PBY -5
USN No.: Bu 08467
Code letter XX – T
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 13 Jul 43
On 6 Sqn.
Struck obstruction in water at
Florida Island, 21 Mar 44
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/1392
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

[NZ4017]

Constructors No.: CV-357
Type: PBV-1A

Currently flying in NZ as NZ 4017 owned by Catalina Group, Papakura

NZ 4018

Constructors No.: 1432
Type: PBY – 5
USN No.: Bu 08488
Code letter XX – U
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 20 Oct 43
On 6 Sqn.
At Ile Noa, Noumea, after 2 missed attempts
at mooring, the co-pilot P/O Williams, waved
the beaching crew to stay clear of the A/C,
the propeller struck his hand.
RNZAF file: 25/2/1598
Fuel shortage en-route Auckland To Halavo Bay,
forced landing at Cape Sydney,
San Cristobal, 30 Nov 44
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4019

Constructors No.: 1372
Type: PBY – 5
USN No.: Bu 08438
Code letter XX – V
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 21 Oct 43
On 6 Sqn.
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4020

Constructors No.: 1369
Type: PBY – 5
USN No.: Bu 08435
Code letter XX – W
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 21 Oct 43
On 6 Sqn.
Struck by NZ 4022 while moored
At Segond Chanel, 16 Nov 43
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/1195
Stalled on Landing at Hobsonville,
towed to mooring by crash boat, 26 May 45
Written Off due to damage, 18 Jun 45
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2211

NZ 4021

Constructors No.: 1431
Type: PBY – 5
USN No.: Bu 08487
Code letter XX – X
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 27 Oct 43
On 6 Sqn.
Hit obstruction on take off from
Havalo Bay, 12 Jan 44
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/1293
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4022

Constructors No.: 1470
Type: PBY – 5
USN No.: Bu 08516
Code letter XX – Y
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 28 Oct 43
On 6 Sqn.
Struck NZ 4020 while mooring At
Segond Chanel, 16 Nov 43
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/1195
During post-maintenance test flight the
A/C was deliberately stalled at 5,500 Ft
entered uncontrollable spin and crashed
into the sea near Bega Island at 1058 Hrs, 27 Jan 45
3 Crew and 8 Passengers Killed,
2 Crew and 4 Passengers survived.
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2058

NZ 4023

Constructors No.: 28086
Type: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 72997
Code letter G F – A
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 4 Apr 44
On 3 OTU
Damaged by bombs during bombing
practice at Laucala Bay, 13 May 45
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2188
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4024

Constructors No.: 28088
Type: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 72999
Code letter G F – B
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 4 Apr 44
On 3 OTU
Declared surplus and sold for scrap,
At Hobsonville 54

NZ 4025

Constructors No.: 28089
Type: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 73000
Code letter G F – C
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 4 Apr 44
On 3 OTU
Damaged bollard while mooring at
Hobsonville, 23 Mar 45
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2142
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4026

Constructors No.: 28102
Type: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 73013
Code letter GF – D
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 4 Apr 44
Heavy landing at Laucala Bay, 21 Dec 44
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/1922
Heavy landing at Laucala Bay, 28 Jul 45
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2298
Ground collision in a wind storm at
Hobsonville, 2 Aug 49
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2462
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4027

Constructors No.: 28087
Type: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 72998
Code letter GF – E
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji. 11 May 44
On 3 OTU
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4028

Constructors No.: 28104
Type: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 73015
Code letter GF – F
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji. 11 May 44
On 3 OTU
Engine failure on approach to landing at
Laucala Bay, 13 Jan 45
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2048
Tail tripod came adrift during tow at
Laucala Bay, 23 Apr 45
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2176
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4029
Constructors No.: 28119
Type: PB2B-1
USN No. Bu 73030
Code letter PA – A
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 12 May 44
On 5 Sqn.
Tail beaching gear collapsed during
towing at Segond Channel, 24 Nov 44
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/1927
Damaged on take off at Segond Channel
by submerged object, Apr 45
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2139
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4030

Constructors No: 28105
Type: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 73016
Code letter PA – B
On 5 Sqn.
Forced landing at sea off San Diego on
delivery ferry flight, 8 May 44
Recorded Under USN Serial Bu 73016
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/1629
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 18 May 44
On 5 Sqn.
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4031

Constructors No.: 28120
Type.: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 73031
Code letter PA – C
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 11 Jun 44
On 5 Sqn.
Stalled on Take Off at Funafuti
Lagoon at 0620 on 13 Apr 45
A/C sank in 15 Fathoms of water,
3 Crew Killed, 7 Crew Survived
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2154

NZ 4032

Constructors No.: 28121
Type: PB2B-1
USN No. Bu 73032
Code letter PA – D
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 10 Jun 44
On 5 Sqn.
Damaged At Mooring At Funafuti, 12 Feb 45
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2080
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4033

Constructors No. 28132
Type: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 73043
Code letter PA – E
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 15 Jun 44
On 5 Sqn.
Damaged when water loped at
Mechanics Bay, Auckland, 14 Feb 46
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2371
Broken Up, 49

NZ 4034

Constructors No.: 28133
Type: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 73044
Code letter PA – F
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 15 Jun 44
On 5 Sqn.
Declared Surplus sold for scrap, 54

NZ 4035
Constructors No.: 28134
Type: PB2B – 1
USN No. Bu 73045
Code letter PA – G
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 15 Jun 44
On 5 Sqn.
Loaned to TEAL [Tasman Empire Airways Ltd, a forerunner of Air New Zealand]
for crew training as
Registered ZK – AMI, 47
Returned to RNZAF
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 48

NZ 4036

Construction No,: 28135
Type: PB2B-1
USN No,: Bu 73046
Code letter PA – H
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 15 Jun 44
On 5 Sqn.
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4037
Construction No.: 28136
Type: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 73047
Code letter PA – I
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 22 Jun 44
On 5 Sqn.
Code letter KN - B
On 5 Sqn.
Beaching accident at Segond Channel,
starboard float hit a tractor on the slipway.
A/C swung inshore hitting slipway
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/1928
While mooring at Tarawa Capt ‘s hand
hit by propeller, 4 Apr 51
While signalling blister position
after intercom failure
Withdrawn from use, Oct 53
Declared surplus and sold for scrap to
NZ Metal Smelters Ltd for 175 Pounds, 56
[$350]

NZ 4038

Constructors No. 28137
Type: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 73048
Code letter PA – J
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 25 Jun 44
Loaned to TEAL
Registered ZK – AMP, to survey the “ Coral Route” 48
Returned to RNZAF
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4039

Constructors No. 28144
Type: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 73055
Code letter PA – K
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji. 28 Jun 44
On 5 Sqn.
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4040

Constructors No.: 28146
Type: PB2B-1
USN No. Bu 73057
Code letter PA – L
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 28 Jun 44
On 5 Sqn.
Struck reef when taxiing at Halavo Bay, 6 Jul 45
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/229
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4041

Constructors No.: 28147
Type: PB2B-1
US No,: Bu 73058
Code letter PA – M
Arrived in Laucala Bay, Fiji, 28 Jun 44
On 5 Sqn.
Declared surplus and sold for scrap 52

NZ 4042

Construction No.: 28118
Type: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 73029
Code letter PA - N
Arrived Lucala Bay, Fiji, 7 Jul 1944
On 5 Sqn
On 6 Sqn, Hobsonville, 25 Jun 53 – 6 Apr 54
Declared surplus and sold for scrap
to NZ Metal Smelters. for 175 pound 56
[$350]

NZ 4043

Construction No.: 28013
Type: PB2B-1
USN No. Bu 73014
Code letter PA – O
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 29 Jul 44
On 5 Sqn.
Declared surplus and sold for scrap, 54

NZ 4044
Constructors No,: 28148
Type: PB2B-1
USN No. Bu 73059
Code letter KN – C
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 1 Aug 44
To 6 Sqn, Hobsonville, 6 Feb 52 – 28 Sep 53
Declared surplus and sold
to NZ Metal Smelters, for 175 pounds 56
[$ 350]

NZ 4045

Construction No.: 28149
Type: PB2B-1
USN No. Bu 73060
Code letter GF – H
Arrived Laucala Bay.Fiji, 2 Aug 44
Damaged by own gunfire at
Laucala Bay, 9 Apr 45
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2166
Used for training ground engineers at
Hobsonville, 49
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4046

Constructors No: 28145
Type: PB2B-1
USN No: Bu 73056
Code letter KN – A
On 5 Sqn.
Engine Failure 2 Hrs From Ile Nou, 5 Oct 45
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2347
Struck coral reef on a mercy mission
To Lakemba, 7 Nov 49
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2467
Eng failure, forced landing 17 miles
off Suva, badly damaged, float ripped off
sank after crew rescued 8 Oct 52
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2593

NZ 4047

Constructors No.: 60956
Type: PB2B-1
USN No, Bu 73095
Code letter PA – C
Arrived Laucala Bay,Fiji. 15 Sep 44
To 5 Sqn
Code letter KN – B
To 5 sqn.
Struck Reef while Taxing at Vila, 08 Aug 50
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2496
Repaired on site, flown back to
Laucala Bay, 29 Aug 50
Transferred to Hobsonville for major
repairs, never carried out 23 Nov 50
Declared surplus and sold for scrap, 51
In 1950 NZ 4047 was the Catalina
with the highest hours flown.

NZ 4048

Constructors No.: 60959
Type: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 73098
Code letter KN – C
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 15 Sep 44
On 5 Sqn.
Stalled and Crashed on Take Off from
Satapuala on 12 Dec 50
7 Crew Killed, 1 Crew Injured
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2508

NZ 4049

Constructors No.: 60974
Type: PB2B-1
USN No,: Bu 73113
Code letter KN – D
Arrived Laucala Bay,Fiji. 15 Sep 44
On 5 Sqn.
Collided with bouy at Hobsonville, 1 May 52
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2564
On 6 Sqn, Hobsonville, 30 Nov 53 – 6 Apr 54
Provided SAR coverage for Royal Tour
by Queen Elizabeth 11 in Jan 54
Withdrawn from Service, 6 Apr 54
Declared surplus and sold
to NZ Metal Smelters, for 175 pound 56
[$350]

NZ 4050

Constructors No.: 60957
Type: PB2B-1
USN No,: Bu 73096
Code letter KN - G
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji. 15 Sep 44
On 5 Sqn
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4051
Constructors No.: 60958
Type: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 73097
Code letter KN – H
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 4 Oct 44
On 5 Sqn.
Struck reef at Laucala Bay, 25 Nov 45
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2359
Towing accident at Hobsonville, 23 Dec 49
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2471
Damaged during Take Off from
Evans Bay Wellington, 7 Feb 50
Seawater flooded A/C, lifted out of water
and taken to Shelly Bay,
Struck Off Charge, sold for scrap, 24 Jun 50
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2476

NZ 4052

Constructors No.: 60976
Type: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 73115
Arrived Laucala Bay,Fiji, 9 Oct 44
Struck bouy when taxiing at
Mechanics Bay, Auckland, 10 Feb 46
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2372
Damaged mooring at Wellington, 6 Aug 46
RNZAF File ref: 25/2/2392
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 52

NZ 4053

Constructors No.: 60977
Type: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 73116
Code letter KN – K
Arrived Laucala Bay,Fiji, 9 Oct 44
On 5 Sqn.
Taxied into reef at Laucala Bay, 25 Nov 45
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2358
Declared surplus and sold
to NZ Metal Smelters, for 175 pounds 56
[$350]

NZ 4054

Constructors No.: 60975
Type: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 73114
Arrived in Laucala Bay,Fiji, 11 Oct 44
Declared surplus and sold for scrap, 54

NZ 4055

Constructors No.: 61108
Type: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 44202
Code letter KN – L
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji , 27 Nov 44
On 5 Sqn.
Precautionary landing due to weather
at Laucala Bay, 21 May 51
RNZAF file ref: 25/2/2517
On 6 Sqn, Hobsonville, 23 Mar 53 – 2 Apr 54
Declared surplus, 56
Sold to Jack Sellars for 250 pounds [$ 500]
he intended to convert it into a pleasure boat
Towed to Whangateau, wings removed,
taken by road to Wellsford.
Sold to scrap metal merchant, late 60

NZ 4056

Constructors No.: 6110
Type: PB2B-1
USN No.: Bu 44023
Code letter KN – F
Arrived Laucala Bay, Fiji, 29 Nov 44
On 5 Sqn.
Declared surplus and scrapped at
Hobsonville, 29 Jan 53

Marking another successful ‘Dumbo” run. Picking up a downed aircrew somewhere in the Pacific

Qty Built:
USA and Canada, 3,290
Plus others

First flight 21 March 35 as XP3Y-1,
Consolidated won the first contract to supply a
Cantilever – wing flying boat to the US Navy,
powered by 2 x 825 Hp [1,200HP?] Pratt & Whitney twin wasp air-cooled radial engines.
The PBY – 5A was an amphibian model that first flew on 22 Nov 39

How close to the water the entry was.

Unsourced photos through the Ohakea Museum

with thanks to son-of-satire for the banner