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Fatal Seaplane Accident in Washington State (46664)

Lake Washington, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 11, 1952, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration 46664) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Washington, United States of America during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew forgot to raise the landing gear prior to landing on water, causing the aircraft to overturn. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A seaplane overturned and sank after landing on Lake Washington in Washington State, killing all three crew members. The official investigation found the crew failed to raise the landing gear before water landing.

Incident Overview and Casualties A seaplane was conducting a local training flight over Washington State when it met with a fatal accident. The aircraft made a landing on Lake Washington, but upon touching the water, it overturned and subsequently sank. All three individuals on board were killed in the incident. ## Official Investigation Findings The official accident investigation determined the probable cause of the crash. The findings concluded that the crew forgot to raise the landing gear prior to landing on the water. This failure to retract the gear caused the aircraft to overturn during the water landing, leading to the fatal outcome.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Jul 1952 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Lake Washington, United States of America?

A seaplane overturned and sank after landing on Lake Washington in Washington State, killing all three crew members. The official investigation found the crew failed to raise the landing gear before water landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Jul 1952 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Jul 1952 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration 46664, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Lake Washington, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew forgot to raise the landing gear prior to landing on water, causing the aircraft to overturn.

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