What happened
The aircraft was operating as part of an 11th Squadron formation flight destined for Salamaua. The mission involved transporting radio equipment, and the plane flew alongside another Royal Australian Air Force Catalina registered A24-9. As the group neared its destination, enemy action occurred when a Japanese fighter engaged the aircraft. The attack resulted in the loss of control, causing the plane to crash into the ocean just a few hundred yards from the coast.
Of the seven personnel on board, three crew members were killed in the incident. The remaining five individuals were successfully rescued from the water following the impact.
Findings
Official investigations determined that the accident was caused by hostile fire. The aircraft was shot down by a Japanese fighter during its approach phase to Salamaua.