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.
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.
What happened in the 10 Jun 1937 Airspeed AS.6 Envoy accident near Laredo, Spain?
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.
Were there any fatalities in the 10 Jun 1937 Airspeed AS.6 Envoy accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Jun 1937 involved an Airspeed AS.6 Envoy, registration F-AQAB, operated by Air Pyrénées, at Laredo, Spain.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The accident resulted from sabotage, evidenced by the discovery of sugar in the aircraft's carburetor which caused both engines to lose power.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…