5 fatalities

Aircraft collision with birds near Candelaria (12-01)

Candelaria, CubaFlight

On December 15, 1980, an Antonov AN-2 (registration 12-01) operated by Cuban Air Force - Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionaras (1961-) was involved in an aviation accident near Candelaria, Cuba in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost control after striking a group of birds during flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed near Candelaria in December 1980 after striking a group of waterfowl.

What happened

In December 1980, an unidentified aircraft was involved in a fatal accident near the Candelaria region. During its flight, the aircraft encountered a flock of ducks, resulting in a mid-air collision with the birds. Following this impact, the aircraft lost stability and crashed.

There were five fatalities recorded in the incident, as all occupants on board perished during the crash. The specific date of the occurrence remains unconfirmed, though it is known to have taken place within that month.

Findings

Investigations into the accident concluded that the primary factor leading to the crash was a loss of control triggered by the in-flight collision with the flock of ducks.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost control after striking a group of birds during flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Dec 1980 Antonov AN-2 accident near Candelaria, Cuba?

An aircraft crashed near Candelaria in December 1980 after striking a group of waterfowl.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Dec 1980 Antonov AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Dec 1980 involved an Antonov AN-2, registration 12-01, operated by Cuban Air Force - Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionaras (1961-), at Candelaria, Cuba.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft lost control after striking a group of birds during flight.