The strike launched on 11 March 1945 after the pathfinders had already been delayed. Ugaki's briefing allowed crews to return if success appeared unlikely. Five P1Ys turned back with engine trouble, three crashed, and further aircraft were forced back or ditched. Four crash-landed at Yap, possibly because of recently installed radio altimeters. Storm diversions increased the distance flown and consumed fuel from aircraft already operating near their maximum range. Only two P1Ys reached Ulithi to make an attack.
Chapter · 1:51:00-2:00:21
The strike disintegrates before Ulithi
Engine failures, crashes, weather, and navigation losses reduced the 24-aircraft force to only two arrivals at Ulithi.