What happened
During a transit from NAS Alameda to NAS Whidbey Island, the VP-9 crew encountered severe weather while cruising at 5,000 feet. Due to limited visibility caused by the atmospheric conditions, the aircraft type struck the slope of Black Peak. The impact was so violent that the airframe disintegrated, and a subsequent fire broke out at the site.
Search and rescue efforts were initiated immediately following the disappearance; however, these operations were halted several days later when no wreckage or personnel could be located. It was not until July 1953 that the debris field was finally identified and localized. The accident resulted in 10 fatalities, with no survivors among the crew or passengers.
Findings
Investigation into the crash determined that the aircraft struck the mountain due to controlled flight into terrain while operating in low-visibility weather conditions.