What happened
The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft departed from Kaneohe Bay Naval Air Station. While en route to Alameda Naval Air Station, a fire started on board the FAW-2. In response to the emergency, the flight crew attempted to make an immediate landing. However, the seaplane was unable to reach land and crashed into the sea several hundred meters off the coast of Makapuu Point on Oahu.
Following the impact, rescue operations were launched for those aboard. Six members of the crew were successfully recovered from the water. Tragically, both pilots lost their lives in the accident.
Findings
Investigations into the event determined that the fire originated from an unknown source within the aircraft. No specific mechanical failure or external cause was identified as the trigger for the ignition.