On March 16, 1943, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration 08181) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Jacksonville Beach, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident resulted from the pilot's lack of experience and poor technique, which led to hull damage upon water landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A seaplane sank after sustaining hull damage during a water landing off Jacksonville while attempting to rescue a downed fighter pilot. All ten crew members were rescued, with one sustaining injuries.
What happened
The aircraft was dispatched from Jacksonville on a mission to assist the pilot of a fighter plane that had crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. During the operation, the seaplane attempted to land on the water surface. Upon impact, the hull sustained significant damage which allowed seawater to enter the cabin. The influx of water caused the aircraft to sink and it was subsequently lost along with four depth charges. The wreckage was not recovered from the ocean floor.
All ten individuals aboard the aircraft were successfully rescued from the water. Among the survivors, one person sustained injuries during the incident. The crew consisted of a pilot and nine other service members who were evacuated safely despite the loss of the airframe.
Probable cause
The accident resulted from the pilot's lack of experience and poor technique, which led to hull damage upon water landing.
What happened in the 16 Mar 1943 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Jacksonville Beach, United States of America?
A seaplane sank after sustaining hull damage during a water landing off Jacksonville while attempting to rescue a downed fighter pilot. All ten crew members were rescued, with one sustaining injuries.
Were there any fatalities in the 16 Mar 1943 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Mar 1943 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration 08181, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Jacksonville Beach, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The accident resulted from the pilot's lack of experience and poor technique, which led to hull damage upon water landing.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…