What happened
During a local training mission intended to prepare for an upcoming airshow, the crew performed several flight circuits alongside other aircraft. As part of this procedure, the pilot executed a solo low-altitude pass over the runway at approximately 65 knots and an altitude of 100 feet.
As the aircraft approached the runway's end, the pilot-in-command attempted a right-hand turn. During this maneuver, the seaplane transitioned into a nose-high attitude, leading to an aerodynamic stall. The aircraft subsequently struck a concrete bank located between the tarmac and an ammunition storage facility. The accident resulted in 11 fatalities and left three occupants seriously injured.
Findings
- The aircraft entered a stall during a low-altitude turn.
- The impact occurred against a concrete embankment near an ammunition building.