What happened
The aircraft was conducting an air-to-sea gunnery training exercise when it departed from Bowen. Following the completion of the firing practice, the seaplane performed a low-altitude pass across the wave tops in choppy sea conditions. It is assumed that the port wing made contact with the water surface during this maneuver. The impact caused the aircraft to crash into the ocean and subsequently sink approximately five miles east of Bowen.
The accident resulted in significant loss of life, with 14 occupants killed and two crew members surviving the event. The individuals on board included a pilot, a copilot, a flight engineer, a navigator, a wireless operator/air gunner, two fitters, an armourer, and several passengers associated with the 20th Squadron.
Findings
The primary contributing factor identified in the circumstances is the likely contact between the port wing and the water surface. This collision occurred while the aircraft was executing a low-level run over choppy seas immediately after completing its gunnery exercise.