What happened
During an en route flight from Indonesia to Australia, the floatplane came under attack from a Japanese Mitsubishi Zero fighter. Bullets struck the fuselage, fuel tanks, and the right wing, which subsequently caught fire. The pilot reduced altitude and attempted to ditch the aircraft in the water off Bathurst Island, north of Darwin.
Upon touchdown, the seaplane overturned and sank rapidly. Despite the rapid sinking, all 18 occupants managed to evacuate the cabin. They were later rescued by the crew of the Philippines ship *Don Isidro* and disembarked on Bathurst Island.
Findings
The official investigation concluded that the aircraft was shot down by a Japanese fighter.