On July 23, 1941, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration AH538) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Gibraltar, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was mistakenly shot down by friendly fire due to a misidentification during approach. 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 floatplane was mistakenly hit by friendly fire while approaching Gibraltar, crashing into the sea. All eight crew members were rescued, with one sustaining injuries.
What happened
During an approach to Gibraltar, a floatplane came under attack from its own side due to a misidentification error. The aircraft was struck by friendly fire, causing it to lose control and crash into the sea. Emergency response teams recovered all eight members of the crew from the water. While most survived without harm, one individual sustained injuries during the incident.
Findings
The official investigation concluded that the accident resulted from a failure in identification protocols. The aircraft was mistakenly targeted by allied forces who believed it to be hostile or unauthorized. This error led directly to the loss of the aircraft and the subsequent crash into the water.
Probable cause
The aircraft was mistakenly shot down by friendly fire due to a misidentification during approach.
What happened in the 23 Jul 1941 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Gibraltar, United Kingdom?
A floatplane was mistakenly hit by friendly fire while approaching Gibraltar, crashing into the sea. All eight crew members were rescued, with one sustaining injuries.
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jul 1941 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Jul 1941 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration AH538, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Gibraltar, United Kingdom.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft was mistakenly shot down by friendly fire due to a misidentification during approach.
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