Accident Overview
A four-engined Short Sunderland flying boat, operating on behalf of the United Nations Command for the Korean War, was en route from Iwakuni Air Force Base in Japan to Hong Kong. While cruising at an altitude of 5,000 feet in poor weather conditions, the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain near Yuli, Taiwan. The wreckage was located several days later in an isolated area. All 14 occupants on board perished in the accident.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the exact cause of the accident could not be established with certainty. However, the board expressed the opinion that the aircraft was off course at the time of the impact, most probably due to a navigational error on the part of the flying crew. No other factors were identified.