George I Mishap Report         December 30, 1946         MISHAP REPORT December 30, 1946... Purpose: Photographic - Ceiling: 600-800 - Visibility: 1/4mi. - Wind: R 90 - Force: 11-16 - Darkness: No - Exact altitude:Not known "Left Turn 10deg 528' 118kts" PBM-5 #59098 took depature from the USS Pine Island (AV-12) on 30 Dec 1946 at 0348 (local) daylight, on a photographic flight over the Antarctic continent in the vicinity of Cape Dart. After departure, and while enroute southward, two routine weather reports were recieved from the aircraft, showing that ceiling, visibility and weather were growing progressively unfavorable at about 0612. Land was sighted from the aircraft on the port bow, distance approximately 12mi. Course was ahcnaged from 180deg to 160deg, altitude to 1000-ft., immediately thereafter land was sighted dead ahead to starboard. LT(jg) KEARNS 1st.Pilot was in actual control of the aircraft and changed course to 90deg to avoid coast, as the horizon was disappearing in a snow squall. Celing had lowered to about 800-ft and visibility had decreased to about 1mi.. After 2mins. on this heading and upon entering snow squall which reduced visibility to 1/4mi, LT(jg) KEARNS started a gentle left turn in order to clear the area and return to base. Altitude now 900-ft & ceiling 850-ft, while in the turn, aircraft was felt to strike ground at a true airspeed of 118kts, LT(jg) KEARNS immediately applied full power and commenced a climbing turn to the left, believing the aircraft to be under full control. Survivors estimated three seconds after intial contact with the ground, the aircraft disintergrated as a result of an explosion of the hull tanks. Its is belived that the pilot at the controls mis-interpreted the snow covered side of a mountain blending into the overcast as clear air space & inadvertantly flew into the ground while attempting to leave the area. Fire immediately followed the disintergration. The majority of the injuries sustained were a result of occupants being thrown clear of the aircraft when it disintergrated. Terrian in this area is inaccurately charted and is entirely covered with snow and ice, which combined with weather conditions in Polar regios makes operating conditions particulary hazardeous. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [11DEC2006] Please contact George Fabik a66fox@verizon.net for further information, contributions, etc. "USS Pine Island (AV 12) George 1 Memorial Summary Page"