What happened
The incident occurred during the final approach to Cairns harbor. The aircraft was returning to base after completing an uneventful night anti-submarine mission off the Australian coast. The total flight duration for this operation was 23 hours and 23 minutes. As the crew attempted to land, the seaplane stalled and subsequently crashed into the water.
The accident resulted in six fatalities among the eight-person crew. Two members were successfully rescued from the sea. Although the airframe was lost in the crash, it was later recovered and repurposed as a ground training aid.
Findings
Official investigations determined that the loss of control during the approach phase was directly linked to mechanical failure. The primary cause was identified as a double engine failure resulting from fuel exhaustion. This lack of power rendered the aircraft unable to maintain lift, leading to the stall and subsequent impact with the water.