On July 8, 1945, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration FP115) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Kisumu, Kenya during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident resulted from a misjudged landing executed by an inexperienced pilot while the senior crew member was not flying the aircraft. 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 Royal Air Force seaplane from the 259th Squadron overturned and sank during a landing attempt on a calm lake, resulting in the deaths of all six crew members aboard.
What happened
During a landing approach on a body of water described as glassy calm, a seaplane operated by the Royal Air Force's 259th Squadron made contact with the surface. The aircraft subsequently overturned and sank. All six crew members were killed in the incident. The flight deck consisted of two pilots, a flight engineer, a navigator, and two wireless operators who also served as air gunners.
Findings
Official investigations identified that the landing was misjudged by an inexperienced pilot. A key factor in the accident was that the crew captain was not at the controls when the aircraft struck the water.
Probable cause
The accident resulted from a misjudged landing executed by an inexperienced pilot while the senior crew member was not flying the aircraft.
What happened in the 8 Jul 1945 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Kisumu, Kenya?
A Royal Air Force seaplane from the 259th Squadron overturned and sank during a landing attempt on a calm lake, resulting in the deaths of all six crew members aboard.
Were there any fatalities in the 8 Jul 1945 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 Jul 1945 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration FP115, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Kisumu, Kenya.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The accident resulted from a misjudged landing executed by an inexperienced pilot while the senior crew member was not flying the aircraft.
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