2 fatalities

Aircraft crash into Potomac River near Potomac Heights (55-4643)

Potomac Heights, United States of AmericaFlight

On November 18, 1956, a Rockwell Aero Commander 560 (registration 55-4643) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Potomac Heights, United States of America in flight. 2 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into the Potomac River near Potomac Heights, Maryland, resulting in two fatalities and one survivor.

What happened

An aircraft went out of control while flying over the Potomac River, eventually impacting the water near Potomac Heights, Maryland. The descent and subsequent impact occurred under circumstances that remain unidentified at this time.

Following the crash, emergency responders located the wreckage and managed to recover three individuals from the site. Of the three occupants on board, two fatalities were confirmed. One crew member was successfully rescued from the wreckage, while the other two members of the flight crew lost their lives in the accident.

Findings

The specific reasons for the loss of control during the flight have not yet been determined, as the exact circumstances surrounding the crash remain unknown.