Bristol 170 Freighter accident at Cabo de Palos, Spain, 16 Oct 1947 (F-BCJN)
On October 16, 1947, a Bristol 170 Freighter (registration F-BCJN) operated by Société Aérienne du Littoral - SAL was involved in an aviation accident near Cabo de Palos, Spain in flight. 42 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: As the aircraft quickly sank by a significant depth, a recovery was not possible and only few debris were found. Due to lack of evidence, and based on the testimony of both survivors, it was not possible to determine the exact cause of the engine failure. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
Probable cause
As the aircraft quickly sank by a significant depth, a recovery was not possible and only few debris were found. Due to lack of evidence, and based on the testimony of both survivors, it was not possible to determine the exact cause of the engine failure.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
While flying along the Spanish coast, the radio operator informed ground by radio: 'one engine stopped, are forced to ditch the aircraft'. Shortly later, the aircraft crashed into the sea some 25 km southeast off Cabo de Palos. The first rescuers arrived on site 24 hours later and were able to evacuate two survivors, the mechanic and a passenger. All 42 other occupants were killed. Crew: Mr. Galindo, pilot, Mr. Remy, mechanic, Mr. Chase, mechanic, Mr. Chanel, radio navigator, Anne-Marie Rouannet, stewardess.
Probable cause (official findings): As the aircraft quickly sank by a significant depth, a recovery was not possible and only few debris were found. Due to lack of evidence, and based on the testimony of both survivors, it was not possible to determine the exact cause of the engine failure.