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Avro 689 Tudor accident at Sargasso Sea, World, 17 Jan 1949 (G-AGRE)

Sargasso Sea, WorldFlight

On January 17, 1949, an Avro 689 Tudor (registration G-AGRE) operated by British South American Airways - BSAA was involved in an aviation accident near Sargasso Sea, World in flight. 20 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Through lack of evidence due to no wreckage having been found, the cause of the accident is unknown. 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 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

Through lack of evidence due to no wreckage having been found, the cause of the accident is unknown.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The four engine aircraft christened 'Star Ariel' left Hamilton, Bermuda, at 0841LT bound for Kingston, Jamaica. About one hour into the flight, the crew informed ATC about his departure time and gave his ETA in Kingston at 1410LT. At this time, the aircraft was flying at an assigned altitude of 18,000 feet in good weather conditions. Another message was exchanged few minutes later. As the aircraft failed to arrive in Kingston, SAR operations were conducted but eventually suspended a week later as no trace of the aircraft nor the 20 occupants was found. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were good with no clouds above 10,000 feet, icing conditions at 14,000 feet and a 36 knots wind from the north with no turbulence.

Probable cause (official findings): Through lack of evidence due to no wreckage having been found, the cause of the accident is unknown.

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Same operator

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