Accident
Two United States Navy Orion aircraft, with the second aircraft registered as 159325 and carrying a crew of 13, departed Moffett Air Force Base for a combined survey mission over the Pacific Ocean. While cruising at an altitude of 3,000 feet in marginal weather conditions, the two aircraft collided and crashed into the sea. Few debris were found floating on the water approximately 60 miles southwest of San Diego. All 27 crew members from both aircraft were missing and never recovered.
Investigation
Due to a lack of evidence, the exact cause of the collision could not be determined with certainty. However, investigators reported that both crews were dispatched to perform the mission while fatigued 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.
Probable Cause
Both crews committed negligences while cruising in formation and failed to pay attention to the exact position of the second aircraft. Additionally, it was reported that the crew of aircraft 159325 failed to follow the assigned heading for unknown reasons.