What happened
During a routine maritime patrol mission conducted off the coast of Papua New Guinea, the aircraft encountered hostile forces. The seaplane was engaged and subsequently shot down by a pilot flying a Japanese fighter. Following the loss of control or structural integrity due to enemy fire, the aircraft crashed into the ocean near Misima Island.
The impact resulted in the total loss of the airframe and the immediate death of everyone on board. There were nine crew members aboard the aircraft at the time of the incident, all of whom perished in the event. The personnel included pilots, an observer, a wireless operator, mechanics, flight engineers, a rigger, and an armourer assigned to the 11th Squadron.
Findings
The official investigation concluded that the accident was not due to mechanical failure or pilot error during normal operations. Instead, the primary cause of the loss was confirmed as combat action. The aircraft was shot down by a Japanese fighter while performing its patrol duties in contested airspace.