On December 16, 1947, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration 48291) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Norfolk, United States of America in flight. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A mid-air collision between two aircraft during a training sortie resulted in both planes crashing into the ground. 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 mid-air collision between a Catalina seaplane and an F4U Corsair occurred during a training sortie near NAS Norfolk, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals.
What happened
The incident involved two military aircraft operating in the vicinity of NAS Norfolk. The crew of the first aircraft was conducting a routine training mission when a mid-air collision occurred with a second plane. Both machines lost control following the impact and descended rapidly to the ground, crashing in the area near the airbase.
Findings
The crash resulted in significant loss of life. While one member of the crew aboard the Catalina survived the accident, six other occupants from that aircraft were killed. Additionally, the pilot of the colliding Chance Vought F4U Corsair also perished in the incident.
Probable cause
A mid-air collision between two aircraft during a training sortie resulted in both planes crashing into the ground.
What happened in the 16 Dec 1947 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Norfolk, United States of America?
A mid-air collision between a Catalina seaplane and an F4U Corsair occurred during a training sortie near NAS Norfolk, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals.
Were there any fatalities in the 16 Dec 1947 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Dec 1947 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration 48291, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Norfolk, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A mid-air collision between two aircraft during a training sortie resulted in both planes crashing into the ground.
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