1955-05-04: Boeing KC-97 Stratotanker (53-0110) — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — Atlantic Ocean, World

9 fatalitiesAtlantic Ocean, WorldFlight

A flight traveling from the United States to Europe crashed into the Atlantic Ocean following an engine explosion during cruise flight.

What happened

While performing a scheduled flight from the United States toward Europe, the aircraft was operating at cruising altitude when a critical mechanical failure occurred. The crew transmitted a short emergency distress signal, notifying air traffic control of an engine explosion occurring on board.

Following this event, the aircraft entered a rapid descent and plummeted into the Atlantic Ocean. The wreckage was located approximately 145 km southwest of Reykjavik. There were no survivors of the accident, as all nine crew members perished in the crash.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the primary factor leading to the loss of the aircraft was an explosion within one of the engines while the plane was in flight.

Probable cause

An explosion occurred in one of the aircraft's engines during the cruise phase of flight.