No fatalities

Twin-engine aircraft crash into shallow water after dual engine failure near Laredo (F-AQAB)

Laredo, SpainTakeoff (climb)

On June 10, 1937, an Airspeed AS.6 Envoy (registration F-AQAB) operated by Air Pyrénées was involved in an aviation accident near Laredo, Spain during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident resulted from sabotage, evidenced by the discovery of sugar in the aircraft's carburetor which caused both engines to lose power. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into shallow water shortly after takeoff from a beach in Laredo following a total loss of power. The pilot survived without injury, and the accident was attributed to sabotage.

What happened

The incident occurred during the initial climb phase immediately following departure from a beach location in Laredo. While ascending, the aircraft experienced a simultaneous failure of both engines, resulting in a complete loss of thrust. The pilot initiated an emergency landing procedure but was unable to regain control or altitude sufficient for a safe touchdown. Consequently, the airframe impacted the surface of shallow water. Post-accident assessments confirmed that the pilot sustained no injuries during the event. However, the structural damage sustained by the aircraft rendered it beyond economic repair.

Findings

Investigations into the mechanical failure revealed evidence of deliberate interference with the engine systems. Specifically, foreign material was discovered within the carburetor components. The presence of this substance indicated that the dual engine failure was not due to mechanical malfunction or pilot error, but rather the result of intentional tampering.

Probable cause

The accident resulted from sabotage, evidenced by the discovery of sugar in the aircraft's carburetor which caused both engines to lose power.