Warbird Information Exchange

In the mid-90's a PBY launched from LAX heading to Hawaii, then Tahiti on the way to Australia. On the leg from HNL to Tahiti it had an engine failure and landed in open water in darkness successfully. It later sank after heroic effort to bale water from the hull was lost and the crew abandon it.
Anyone know the pilots?
Chris...

The aircraft was on its way to New Zealand, not Australia. One of the people involved was Ross Ewing, a well known aviator here in New Zealand, who sadly passed away a few weeks ago after a short battle with cancer.

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I believe you can find a full first-hand account of the experience in Ross's book 'Catalina Dreaming', one of many of his aviation books. Here's his website:
http://www.flyingbooks.co.nz/books/catalina.php

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Here is an article with first hand info and the crew list:
http://www.listener.co.nz/uncategorized ... r-heroine/

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Thanks Dave.
New Zealand, of course.
I got some of what I was looking for, Kirk of course being the hero is well known. It's just nearly impossible to find the name of the other American pilot. I guess I'll have to buy the book.
Chris...