Investigation Summary
The aircraft was operating as part of the Eastern Group of Operation Highjump, a massive U.S. Navy expedition to Antarctica led by Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd. On December 30, 1946, George 1 launched from the seaplane tender USS Pine Island (AV-12) for a photographic mapping mission. During the flight, the crew encountered a severe blizzard and whiteout conditions. The Mariner struck a snow-covered ridge on Thurston Island and exploded. Ensign Maxwell A. Lopez and Petty Officer Wendell K. Hendersin were killed instantly. Petty Officer Frederick Williams died of his injuries shortly after. The survivors, including the ship's captain H.H. Caldwell who was aboard as an observer, used the wreckage for shelter. They were not spotted until January 11, 1947, when another PBM Mariner from the Pine Island located them. The rescue was completed on January 12, 1947.
Final Conclusions
The accident was caused by severe weather conditions and poor visibility during an Antarctic blizzard, which led the aircraft to strike a snow-covered ridge. The three deceased crew members were buried at the crash site by the survivors. Due to the accumulation of ice and snow over decades, their remains are estimated to be buried under approximately 100 feet (30m) of ice. Despite several private and family-led initiatives to recover the bodies, including a 2012 plan to drill to the site, the remains have never been repatriated due to the extreme cost and logistical difficulty.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Martin PBM-5 Mariner
A twin-engine patrol bomber flying boat used extensively by the U.S. Navy for maritime patrol and search and rescue.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was one of four lost during the 1946–1947 Operation Highjump.
- 02The three fatalities were buried at the crash site and remain there today.
- 03Survivor Ralph LeBlanc had both legs amputated due to gangrene caused by severe frostbite; he later underwent a rare procedure where one of his arms was surgically grafted to his face to repair frostbitten tissue.
- 04The wreckage was located in 2004 by a Chilean Navy aircraft using ground-penetrating radar.
- 05The crash site is located at coordinates 71°23′S 98°45′W.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Recovery Mission Suspension
Source ↗Multiple recovery missions planned for 2008 and 2009 were cancelled due to the extreme environmental risks and the high cost of operation, estimated between $1.5 million and $3.5 million.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Recovery of Remains
Reference ↗There has been ongoing tension between the families of the deceased and the U.S. Navy regarding the recovery of the bodies, which are now buried deep under Antarctic ice.