PBY-5A Catalina, Buno 04402

The Accident:

Approximately fifteen minutes after take-off for an anti-submarine sweep the flying boat flew into a heavy snow storm and immediately thereafter crashed. Take-off and crash occurred during total night conditions, but there was brilliant moonlight. Evidence indicates that the pilot encountered violent turbulence and trying to clear of the storm on instruments, lost altitude until he crashed. Upon being asked before take-off what he intended to do about the snow squall which was plainly visible from the airdrome in the direction of his flight, Lt. Luce replied “I will fly through it”
Source: VP84 mishap record, VV FE, J Baugher. Issue #2 12.1.2016.

The Crew:

Total crew of 9 were all killed in the crash.

Pilot Lt. Harvey H. Luce (PPC), †
Lt(jg). Donald A. Helms (2nd Pilot), †
Ens. Glenn S. Nelson (navigator), †
AP1c. Wilfred A. Burri (3rd pilot), †
Amm1c. Willard P. Kantz, †
Rm1c. Chester A. Eichelberger, †
Amm3c. James L. Bryan, †
Rm3c. Brack W. Goode, †
Amm3c. William G. Hammond.†

The Aircraft:

Consolidated PBY-5A, Catalina
Build No. 04402
Operator: Operator: USN VP84 Patrol Bomber Squadron.

The Squadron operated PBY-5A in Iceland from 2 Oct 1942 to 1 Sep 1943
The Squadron claim 6 German U-boats sunk.

Details on aircraft: Wikipedia, Youtube

Source:
VP84 mishap record, 
Vígdrekar og vopnagnýr Friðþór Eydal, 
J Baugher. Issue #2 12.1.2016.