The famous seaplane PNG-1 and its flight from San Francisco to Kauai, Hawaii, was a disaster and a success!

Written by Ric

-- Los Angeles to Hawaii. " This airplane (pictured) is not a PNG-1 but was only entered here to illustrate what a flying boat looked like.

The PNG-1

This was an American flying boat with an open cockpit built in the 1920's to 30's.

It was a variant of the Felixstowe F5L flying boat made during World War I.

Built by the United States Navy by Douglas, Keystone, and Martin.

Started from Los Angeles to fly 1800 miles to Hawaii.

The flight time was from August 31 to September 26.

The PN9-1 was built in Felixstowe by a British company during World War I.

After flying probably 1,500 miles, the PN9-1 seaplane ran out of fuel, forcing an emergency landing just 250 miles shy of its destination, Hawaii. Pilot Byon Connel faced an overwhelming challenge as the PNG-1, having exhausted its fuel reserves, struggled to navigate the rough sea with no engine power. He flew "dead stick," the propellers having ceased their crucial rotation, leaving him to rely solely on instinct, experience, and unyielding nerves of steel.

Against all odds, the plane descended gracefully into the surging swells. The crew, drained yet resolute, felt the weight of their near-miss with death, knowing the abyss below was unforgiving. The ocean, silent and imposing, surrounded them as their heart rates gradually slowed from a frantic 200 beats per minute to a more manageable rhythm, reaffirming their indomitable spirit. Exhausted yet triumphant, the crew exchanged congratulations, their successful landing igniting a profound sense of pride and mutual admiration.

Survival beckoned them urgently, and discussions turned to how they would endure. Equipped with naval training, they understood the art of navigation and the necessity of deploying a sea anchor. Resourcefulness was their ally. With a sail rigged between the wings, they set their course for Kauai Island, their hopes rising along with the sun.

As they began their journey, hunger soon gnawed at them. In their desperation, they rigged a radio wire to a kite, hoping to make contact with one of the searching destroyers. The ocean was vast, an endless expanse that could easily swallow them whole if they weren't spotted. One ship passed nearby, but despite their frantic attempts to hail it, they remained unseen, and soon, their power dwindled to almost nothing.

With a final surge of determination, they tried to generate enough power for one last SOS, to relay their position and plead for help. But the attempts were futile, and after 8 days of starvation, the men had an all-consuming thirst, leaving them weak and fatigued; they needed water, and soon. The commander shouted, "Rain!" and they frantically looked for scraps of canvas to catch the rain. (They had only a sprinkle of water!) Rasspy voices spoke in despair. The occasional fish was caught, and despair threatened to take hold. More endless days went by.

 They spotted the searchlight on Oahu Island; sadly, they missed the Island and sailed towards Kauai Island. As they watched Oahu fade in the distance, Commander Rodgers informed the crew that 100 miles were needed. The men were totally exhausted. Dark clouds appeared on the horizon, and soon they were met with a downpour.

The men spotted Kauai Island, but the two harbors were on the other side

from their vantage point; they saw only rugged, tall cliffs. They knew they would be dashed against the rocks. They never acknowledged defeat. They had an indomitable force with them as they sailed past the island, and knew it was basically a slow death coming. (They still didn't give up!)

They gasped as a submarine broached 800 yards from the airplane/boat. (They were safe!)

The mission had failed. However, the plane and the story of their survival made them famous. Their planes' tremendous mechanical attributes were proven. To this day, the tale is sometimes told in courses at different naval training institutions. Written by Ric