On January 31, 1945, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration 46611) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Brookings, United States of America in flight. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with a mountain slope during en route flight. 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.
A seaplane crashed into a mountainside near Brookings while en route, resulting in the deaths of all nine crew members on board.
What happened
During an en route flight, a seaplane encountered fatal terrain. The aircraft struck the slope of a mountain in the vicinity of Brookings. This impact resulted in the immediate loss of life for everyone on board. There were no survivors among the personnel assigned to the flight. The incident occurred while the aircraft was in transit between destinations, rather than during takeoff or landing phases.
Findings
The source material confirms that the collision with the mountain slope was the direct cause of the accident. All nine crew members perished in the event. No specific mechanical failures or weather conditions are detailed in the provided text beyond the final impact with terrain.
Probable cause
Collision with a mountain slope during en route flight.
What happened in the 31 Jan 1945 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Brookings, United States of America?
A seaplane crashed into a mountainside near Brookings while en route, resulting in the deaths of all nine crew members on board.
Were there any fatalities in the 31 Jan 1945 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Jan 1945 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration 46611, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Brookings, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Collision with a mountain slope during en route flight.
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