1943 – July 7, USN PB4Y-1 Liberator dove into sea off NAS Barbers Pt., Oahu, HI   –all 11

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 5-5-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–11  Aviation Archaeology Investigation & Rsch. “PB4Y USN Aircraft Airframe History List.”

–11  Baugher. US Navy…Marine Corps BuNos Third Series (30147 to 39998). 10-11-2009 rev.

–11  PacificWrecks.com 1995-2011.  “PB4Y-1 Liberator Bureau Number 32005.”

Narrative Information

Aviation Archaeology Investigation & Research: “Structural failure, dove-in from 2500-ft & exploded during aerial gunnery practice 5mi. North off NAS Barbers (11/killed) Pt, Oahu Island, Hi., Loss date/Stricken 7 Jul 1943.”  (“PB4Y USN Aircraft Airframe History List.”)

Baugher: “Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator. 32005 (ex USAAF B-24D 42-40260, VD-3) dove in and exploded Jul 7, 1943 Oahu, HI during aerial gunnery practice.  11 killed.” (Baugher. US Navy…Marine Corps BuNos Third Series (30147 to 39998). 10-11-2009 revision.)

PacificWrecks.com: “PB4Y-1 Liberator Bureau Number 32005… USN VD-3…Crashed July 7, 1943…This bomber was US Army Air Force B-24D Liberator 42-40260, to the US Navy Bureau Number 32005 and assigned to VD-3…Took off from Hawaii on an aerial gunnery training mission, this bomber dove into the sea and exploded, killing the entire crew of 11….Pilot  Lcdr Alfred Wilstam (KIA).” (PacificWrecks.com. 1995-2011. “PB4Y-1 Liberator Bureau Number 32005.”)

Sources

Aviation Archaeology Investigation & Research. “PB4Y USN Aircraft Airframe History List.” Accessed 11-29-2011 at: http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/src/USN/PB4Y.htm

Baugher, Joseph F. US Navy and US Marine Corps BuNos Third Series (30147 to 39998). 8-6-2012 revision. Accessed at: http://www.joebaugher.com/navy_serials/thirdseries4.html

PacificWrecks.com. 1995-2011. “Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator [1945-2011].” Accessed at:  http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/pb4y-1/index.html