On February 27, 1942, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration 2469) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Elkhorn, United States of America in flight. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain caused by reduced visibility in fog. 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 floatplane struck the slope of Mt Elkhorn while cruising in fog during a patrol mission, resulting in the deaths of all seven crew members.
What happened
The aircraft was engaged in a patrol mission when the crew encountered deteriorating weather conditions. While maintaining cruise flight within a dense fog bank, visibility became severely restricted. The floatplane subsequently impacted the slope of Mt Elkhorn, situated approximately 25 kilometers northwest of Staunton. There were no survivors in this incident; all 7 crew members were killed.
Findings
The official investigation determined that the accident resulted from a controlled flight into terrain. The primary contributing factor was the loss of visual references due to foggy conditions, which prevented the crew from avoiding the mountainous obstacle.
Probable cause
Controlled flight into terrain caused by reduced visibility in fog
What happened in the 27 Feb 1942 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Mt Elkhorn, United States of America?
A floatplane struck the slope of Mt Elkhorn while cruising in fog during a patrol mission, resulting in the deaths of all seven crew members.
Were there any fatalities in the 27 Feb 1942 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Feb 1942 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration 2469, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Mt Elkhorn, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Controlled flight into terrain caused by reduced visibility in fog
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