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Aircraft ditching off the coast of Palermo (MM61666)

Palermo, ItalyFlight

On August 23, 1955, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration MM61666) operated by Italian Air Force - Aeronautica Militare Italiana was involved in an aviation accident near Palermo, Italy in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An unforeseen in-flight emergency necessitated an emergency water landing. 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 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

A patrol flight searching for smuggling activity resulted in an emergency water landing approximately 70 km from Palermo, leading to the loss of the aircraft.

What happened

During a scheduled patrol mission departing from Palermo-Boccadifalco Airport, the crew was conducting surveillance to locate a vessel involved in cigarette smuggling. While in flight, an unforeseen emergency occurred at approximately 19:00 local time. This situation necessitated an immediate ditching of the aircraft in the sea, roughly 70 km away from the coast of Palermo.

Following the impact with the water, the aircraft sank and was subsequently lost. Despite the loss of the airframe, all four occupants were successfully recovered from the scene by rescue teams at 23:30 local time.

Findings

An unexpected situation during the flight forced the crew to abandon the aircraft via a ditching maneuver.

Probable cause

An unforeseen in-flight emergency necessitated an emergency water landing.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Aug 1955 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident near Palermo, Italy?

A patrol flight searching for smuggling activity resulted in an emergency water landing approximately 70 km from Palermo, leading to the loss of the aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Aug 1955 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Aug 1955 involved a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, registration MM61666, operated by Italian Air Force - Aeronautica Militare Italiana, at Palermo, Italy.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An unforeseen in-flight emergency necessitated an emergency water landing.

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