Accident
A Catalina aircraft, engaged in a medical evacuation from a vessel on the Mississippi River, struck a submerged obstacle upon landing. The impact caused the aircraft to water loop, resulting in the separation of the wing from the fuselage. The aircraft quickly sank and was lost.
Victims
Three crew members were killed in the accident: Ens V. C. Fleck, Ad2 J. C. Netherland, and Aic M. L. Sweet. Three other crew members sustained injuries.
Investigation
Official findings determined the probable cause of the accident to be a collision with an unknown floating obstacle while landing on the Mississippi River.