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Engine Failure Prompts Ditching Off Arecibo; Three Occupants Rescued (N9470Z)

Arecibo, Puerto RicoTakeoff (climb)

On March 19, 1967, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration N9470Z) operated by Private United States of America was involved in an aviation accident near Arecibo, Puerto Rico during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Powerplant failure for undetermined reason. 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)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff from Arecibo Airport, an airplane experienced an engine failure. The crew informed ATC and attempted to return but opted to ditch off Arecibo. All three occupants were quickly rescued; the aircraft sank and was lost.

Event

Shortly after departing from Arecibo Airport, the crew of an airplane reported an engine failure to air traffic control. The pilots elected to return to the airport for an emergency landing. However, the pilot-in-command assessed that the airplane would not be able to reach the runway and decided to ditch the aircraft in the water off Arecibo.

Rescue

All three occupants were quickly rescued following the ditching. The aircraft, which was owned by Luis Pagan, sank and was lost.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was a powerplant failure for an undetermined reason.

Engine failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Mar 1967 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident near Arecibo, Puerto Rico?

Shortly after takeoff from Arecibo Airport, an airplane experienced an engine failure. The crew informed ATC and attempted to return but opted to ditch off Arecibo. All three occupants were quickly rescued; the aircraft sank and was lost.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Mar 1967 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Mar 1967 involved a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, registration N9470Z, operated by Private United States of America, at Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Powerplant failure for undetermined reason.

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