1961-09-22: Martin P5M-2 Marlin (140144) — United States Navy - USN — Montague Island, United States of America

10 fatalitiesMontague Island, United States of AmericaFlight

A maritime patrol flight crashed into a mountainside in the Gulf of Alaska, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

On the day of the accident, a VP-45 seaplane initiated a maritime patrol mission departing from Kodiak. The aircraft was conducting operations over the Gulf of Alaska at a low altitude during a period characterized by restricted visibility.

While navigating the area, the aircraft type impacted the slope of a mountain situated in the southern region of Montague Island. Search efforts located the wreckage approximately one day after the impact occurred. The accident resulted in the deaths of all 10 crew members on board.

Findings

  • The flight was operating at low altitude during the time of the crash.
  • Limited visibility contributed to the aircraft striking terrain.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountainside while flying at low altitude in conditions of poor visibility.