What happened
The incident occurred while the crew was conducting routine training operations at Jacksonville-Towers Field NAS. The aircraft was engaged in touch-and-go and taxi maneuvers when it began to take on water. The root cause of the flooding was identified as a hatch that remained open during these exercises. As a result, the seaplane sank. Emergency procedures were likely initiated to ensure the safety of those on board, though specific details regarding rescue efforts are not provided in the source material.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the accident was the failure to secure the aircraft's hatch before commencing water-based maneuvers. This oversight allowed water to enter the fuselage, compromising buoyancy and stability. Despite the total loss of the aircraft, the event resulted in no fatalities. The crew successfully avoided injury or death during the sinking process.