What happened
The aircraft was operating out of Sand Point NAS when it departed on a routine maritime patrol mission. The flight path took the seaplane over the North Pacific Ocean. During this operation, the aircraft failed to return to its base of origin. Subsequent investigations indicate that the plane crashed into the ocean somewhere along its route. The incident resulted in the total loss of the airframe and all personnel on board.
The crew consisted of nine individuals who were serving at the time of the accident. The pilot was an Ensign, accompanied by two other Ensigns. The remaining members of the flight deck included a Radioman Second Class, another Radioman Second Class, an Aviation Machinist Second Class, an Aviation Machinist Third Class, and two Seaman Second Classes. All nine crew members were lost without trace in the event.