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PB4Y-2 Privateer | Historical archives | Underwater images/video | Exploration updates
Background information:
The Privateer entered Navy service during the late summer of 1944. The aircraft was used exclusively in the Pacific theatre (WWII), where it was used primarily for patrol missions in support of amphibious operations during the latter stages of the war. No other Navy aircraft had the Privateer’s range and versatility. Navy Privateers also performed a variety of other missions - they searched out and destroyed enemy radar, ships and other targets. They reported on weather and enemy positions, and located downed airmen and coordinated rescue operations.
Following the end of the war, six Navy squadrons continued to fly Privateers, and the aircraft flew numerous missions during the Korean War. In 1951, the Privateers still in service were redisignated P4Y-2. The top turrets were removed from some of the planes to improve their range and speed.
The PB4Y-2 Privateer in Lake Washington (BuNo 59695) was stationed at NAS Seattle at Sand Point at the time of the crash and flown by Navy Reserve pilots.
In July 1956, the aircraft was flown to Hawaii on a two-week training mission. On August 25, 1956, the aircraft was flown on an uneventful training flight. The following day, on August 26, 1956, the aircraft crashed into the Lake shortly after take-off on a routine training flight (click here to read the Navy accident report).
The PB4Y-2 in Lake Washington today »