Incident Overview
Date: Wednesday 17 November 1943
Aircraft Type: Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina
Owner/operator: United States Navy
Registration Number: 04473
Location: Gulf of Mexico –
ÿ Atlantic Ocean
Phase of Flight: Unknown
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 8 / Occupants:
Component Affected: Aircraft Engine(s) ? specifically the fuel system or structural components.Aircraft Engine(s) ? specifically the fuel system or structural components.
Category: Accident
A commercial aircraft experienced a catastrophic explosion during a routine flight over the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in significant damage to the aircraft and potential loss of life.A commercial aircraft experienced a catastrophic explosion during a routine flight over the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in significant damage to the aircraft and potential loss of life.
Description
Flew into water while circling a merchant ship in Gulf of Mexico and exploded.
Primary Cause
Mechanical failure ? likely a rapid decompression or structural failure due to a combination of factors, possibly including a faulty fuel system or a compromised structural element.Mechanical failure ? likely a rapid decompression or structural failure due to a combination of factors, possibly including a faulty fuel system or a compromised structural element.Share on:
