[twocee]

It is difficult to say precisely what happened here. The SOC was flying at 2500' under an overcast when it was struck by some object that caused it to crash. According to the only witnesses, a shore fire control party, the SOC was involved in a mid-air collision, and as Shamrock Bay lost an FM-2 in the same area, it is possible that this was the other party. However, the SOC's accident report gives the cause as either an MAC or a mortar shell. The cause of 73849's loss is shown as anti-aircraft fire.

Lathrop's rsm, who survived the crash, was ARM2c V(?).M. Duraway. He recalled only hearing a loud tearing noise and being doused in fuel. The SOC came down in enemy territory and was destroyed by friendly gunfire.