While I've never read any definitive reason for the crash, according to the website "Famous People Who Died in Aviation Accidents":
The flying boat was attempting to land when the left wing hit the water. Actress Jane Froman seriously injured. 25 of 39 aboard killed.
To me, that sounds like either wind shear and/or pilot error.
In "Holding the High Notes: The Life of Jane Froman" (one of the special features on the DVD) the explanation was that the left wing clipped the water while turning on approach. The plane then 'cartwheeled'.
shareAdditionally, in "John Burn: A Husband Remembers" (also a DVD special feature) her ex-husband and the most junior copilot on the flight says, "two engines on one side quit and we were going nowhere but down."
shareVery odd. In the movie, they show the right side being blasted as though by some sort of explosion. A large gaping hole appears immediately taking out the entire row which Jane was supposed to be sitting in but allowed another young actress to occupy the seat since she was already there. According to accounts, the actress was never found. It wouldn't surprise me to learn (later) that an enemy ship or submarine (surfaced) had fired at the aircraft while on approach and took it out. We were at war at that time. It wasn't safe to fly anywhere around Europe. In fact, Leslie Howard's (Gone with the Wind) plane was also shot down. The enemy gave quarter to no one...not even passenger planes. If anyone knows more or has an official accurate account, please advise.
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