There have been several options to get a Catalina airframe certified on the civil market, the WIX thread linked to above specifies some of them but unfortunately most of the images have been lost. In the early days, fairing over the remains of the nose turret was one option, eventually a modification emerged as 'popular' and that one (with some variations) is seen in various photos, one of which features the Dutch Cat shown above.
Right now (
AFAIK) the FAA will only allow a Cat to fly off water with a faired in bow, as the original turret incurs the risk of water ingress. The accident with the Super Cat in Southampton showed the sad effects of that (although that one was caused by a nose gear door coming off).
Going back to the original question, the sight picture from the cockpit will be different between a turret equipped Canso and one that has the faired in bow. Can you share the accident report here? I am curious to see how it played a role in the accident.
The TCDS states:
(2) To be eligible for maximum weight of 28,000 lbs., a clipper bow in accordance with CVAC Drawing
No. 28B15001 B and pertinent detail drawings must be installed. The airplane is eligible for a
maximum weight of only 27,000 lbs. with the original PBY-5A nose and turret installed, provided the
turret revolving mechanism is removed or made inoperative and the opening between the nose and turret
are faired over.
and:
NOTE 9. Model 28-5ACF is approved with retention of waist blisters and a modified clipper bow at a maximum take-off and
landing weight of 27,880 lbs. when modified per So. California Aircraft Corp., Ontario, CA., Form ACA-337,
dated 12/27/48. Airplane Flight Manual must be revised in accordance with approved manual for aircraft N69043
owned by the So. California Aircraft Corp., Ontario, CA. When such blisters are retained, the fixed elevator trim
tab, described in CVAC Drawing 28T15024, must not be incorporated.
Concluding, there are two different bow variants mentioned in the first note, and the second quote may point to a third option.