What happened
During a scheduled test flight, the second XP2V-1 prototype experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure. While the crew was conducting flight operations, one of the engines separated from the airframe and fell away from the aircraft.
Following the loss of the engine, the aircraft became uncontrollable. The plane entered a steep dive toward the earth, ultimately impacting a field. The impact resulted in the deaths of all four crew members on board.
Findings
- An engine detached from the wing during the flight sequence.
- The loss of the engine led to an unrecoverable descent into the ground.