What happened
The aircraft was conducting a training exercise over Lake Washington with a full complement of nine crew members on board. The mission involved an instructor providing a check flight to a student pilot, who was tasked with performing instrument landings. To maintain safe separation from another Catalina operating in the vicinity, maneuvers were executed close to the shoreline.
During the approach, the pilot under supervision was focused on monitoring radio communications while awaiting landing clearance. This distraction led to an unintended change in the aircraft's attitude, potentially triggered by rough air or a sudden control input. The instructor subsequently took over control of the aircraft but applied excessive corrections, causing the plane to roll left. The aircraft struck trees and impacted hilly terrain overlooking the lake.
The crew consisted of eight personnel, including two pilots and six enlisted staff. One fatality was recorded among the occupants.