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44 fatalities

Nighttime Crash Off Santiago de Cuba (CU-T1262)

Santiago de Cuba, CubaTakeoff (climb)

On July 11, 1997, an Antonov AN-24 (registration CU-T1262) operated by Cubana de Aviación was involved in an aviation accident near Santiago de Cuba, Cuba during takeoff. 44 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control following the failure of the left engine for unknown reasons. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff from Santiago de Cuba-Antonio Maceo Airport at night, killing all 44 occupants. The probable cause was loss of control after an unexplained left engine failure.

Incident Overview and Location Details The accident occurred shortly after the aircraft departed Santiago de Cuba-Antonio Maceo Airport. The event took place during nighttime operations while the aircraft was in the climb phase at an altitude of 500 feet. The aircraft subsequently entered an uncontrolled descent and impacted the sea a few hundred meters offshore. ## Casualties and Impact The aircraft disintegrated upon impact with the water. All 44 occupants on board were killed in the crash. The fatalities included six Spanish citizens and two Brazilian citizens. ## Official Investigation Findings The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a loss of control. This loss of control followed the failure of the left engine, which occurred for unknown reasons.

Loss of control in flight

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Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Jul 1997 Antonov AN-24 accident near Santiago de Cuba, Cuba?

An aircraft crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff from Santiago de Cuba-Antonio Maceo Airport at night, killing all 44 occupants. The probable cause was loss of control after an unexplained left engine failure.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Jul 1997 Antonov AN-24 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 44 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Jul 1997 involved an Antonov AN-24, registration CU-T1262, operated by Cubana de Aviación, at Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of control following the failure of the left engine for unknown reasons.

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