Consolidated PBY Catalina accident at Adak, United States of America, 24 May 1943 (04411)
On May 24, 1943, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration 04411) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Adak, United States of America during landing or approach. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is the opinion of the reporting officer that the crash was the result of weather conditions and also pilot fatigue caused by six months of continuous operations in the Aleutian area. 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.
Probable cause
It is the opinion of the reporting officer that the crash was the result of weather conditions and also pilot fatigue caused by six months of continuous operations in the Aleutian area.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
Following a maritime patrol flight, the airplane was returning to base at Adak Airfield. The descent was initiated in poor weather conditions with rain, fog, low ceiling and a visibility about 2 km. On final approach, the airplane impacted the water surface and crashed into the Kuluk Bay, few km offshore. All 10 crew members were killed. Crew (VP-62): Lt(jg) Paul C. Spencer, pilot, Lt(jg) Ralph I. Parlette, copilot, Lt(jg) Jack G. Gray, Rm2 Robert Allen Mathes, Amm2 Donald Monroe Griffth, Rm2 William E. Littler, Acm Michael J. Chrzanowski, Ap1 Dodge A. Lincoln, Aom3 Oscar A. Joerger, Rm2 Henry H. Haley.
Probable cause (official findings): It is the opinion of the reporting officer that the crash was the result of weather conditions and also pilot fatigue caused by six months of continuous operations in the Aleutian area.