On April 12, 1942, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration 7269) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Livermore, United States of America in flight. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain. 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 seaplane departed Alameda NAS for Norfolk-Chambers NAS but impacted a mountain slope near Livermore in poor weather, resulting in the deaths of all eight crew members.
What happened
The seaplane initiated a cross-country flight from Alameda Naval Air Station with the intended destination of Norfolk-Chambers Naval Air Station in Virginia. Shortly after takeoff, while operating in adverse weather conditions, the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain situated approximately 11 kilometers east of Livermore. The impact caused the airframe to burst into flames. The structural integrity of the plane was compromised by the collision forces, and a subsequent post-crash fire completely destroyed the vehicle. All eight crew members aboard were killed in the accident.
Findings
The official investigation concluded that the primary factor leading to the disaster was a controlled flight into terrain.
What happened in the 12 Apr 1942 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Livermore, United States of America?
A seaplane departed Alameda NAS for Norfolk-Chambers NAS but impacted a mountain slope near Livermore in poor weather, resulting in the deaths of all eight crew members.
Were there any fatalities in the 12 Apr 1942 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Apr 1942 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration 7269, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Livermore, United States of America.
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