Accident
Two US Navy Orion aircraft departed Moffett AFB on a combined survey mission over the Pacific Ocean. The second aircraft, registered 158930, carried a crew of 14. While cruising at an altitude of 3,000 feet in marginal weather conditions, both aircraft collided and crashed into the sea. Few debris were found floating on the water about 60 miles southwest of San Diego. All 27 crew members were missing and never recovered.
Findings
The official investigation concluded that due to lack of evidence, the exact cause of the collision could not be determined with certainty. However, several factors were reported. Both crews were dispatched to perform the mission while tired from a long period of duty. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were marginal, with partly cloudy skies at 2,000 feet over water, local thunderstorm activity, and rain showers. Both crews committed negligences while cruising in formation and failed to pay attention to the exact position of the second aircraft. Additionally, the crew of aircraft 159325 failed to follow the assigned heading for unknown reasons.