Status:	Final
Date:	14 OCT 1947
Time:	10:04 UTC
Type:	Boeing 314A
Operator:	American International Airways
Registration:	NC18612
C/n / msn:	2086
First flight:	1941
Total airframe hrs:	12000
Engines:	4 Wright R-2600-579-C-14 AC-1
Crew:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 7
Passengers:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 62
Total:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 69
Airplane damage:	Written off
Airplane fate:	Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location:	Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)
Phase:	En route (ENR)
Nature:	Int'l Non Scheduled Passenger
Departure airport:	Foynes, Ireland
Destination airport:	Gander Airport, NF (YQX/CYQX), Canada

Narrative:
The crew were afraid of fuel exhaustion because of strong headwind over the Atlantic and decided to land their flying boat next to a US Coast Guard weather ship. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair after colliding with the ship. The aircraft was sunk by gunfire since it constituted a hazard for surface vessels.

PROBABLE CAUSE: "Improper flight planning under conditions of an excess gross weight, resulting in a landing at sea."

Sources:
» CAB File No. 1-0088