What happened
The seaplane departed Anacostia Naval Air Station for a routine flight to Norfolk-Chambers Field Naval Air Station. The aircraft was carrying 11 crew members. Before takeoff, the pilot received information regarding thunderstorm activity along the planned route. Although it was possible to navigate around the weather system, the pilot chose to enter the storm cell located north of Dahlgren. As a result, the airplane lost altitude and crashed into a pasture situated 6 kilometers north of Dahlgren. All 11 occupants were killed in the accident.
Findings
The investigation concluded that the crash was caused by a loss of control while flying through thunderstorm activity. This situation arose due to poor judgment on part of the pilot, who elected to fly into the hazardous weather conditions despite having the option to avoid them.