Suffering engine failure in a seaplane over southern Arizona quickly presents many challenges. No water, no wheels, losing altitude, and rough desert terrain below. Pilot Scott Fitzgerald aimed his seaplane for Willcox Dry Lake.
The crew consisted of, pilot Lt. Scott S. Fitzgerald, co-pilot Lt. Robert D. Holbert, navigator Gerald L. McCormick, Joseph Allen Emerson, AMMF1c engineer, Raymond F. Wallmark AMMF3c mechanic, and John Barry Letterman ARM3c radioman.