Low-flying Catalina

Originally posted by Hanno Spoelstra
Ah yes, I remember that it was in the news for quite a long time. Can't recall the outcome of the investigation, though. Since they are still allowed to fly, the cause should not have been too problematic for other Cats to retain their airworthyness certification?

The torque tubes on the nose wheel doors were essentially rusted through and let go on landing when the force of water breached the hull.

See: http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/group...ty_501040.hcsp for the full UK Air Accident Investigation Branch report.

For the aircraft people amongst you the AAIB reports are both fascinating and a lesson in report writing being concise, detailed and unemotive.

All our AAIB reports are public and start at http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/group...ty_508073.hcsp

R.