6 fatalities

Twin-engine aircraft crash into sea off Ponta Delgada (CS-TAA)

Ponta Delgada, PortugalTakeoff (climb)

On August 5, 1947, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration CS-TAA) operated by SATA Air Açores was involved in an aviation accident near Ponta Delgada, Portugal during takeoff. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty as the wreckage was not found. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff from Ponta Delgada Airport, killing all six occupants on board.

What happened

The incident occurred during the initial climb phase following departure from Ponta Delgada Airport. The twin-engine aircraft lost control shortly after liftoff and subsequently impacted the water surface a few kilometers offshore. Following the crash, search efforts recovered only limited debris floating on the sea. Tragically, all six occupants of the aircraft were killed in the accident.

Findings

Investigations into the event concluded that the precise cause of the accident could not be established with certainty. This determination was made due to the inability to locate the main wreckage for examination.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty as the wreckage was not found.