On June 19, 1949, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration N1096M) operated by La Legión Caribe was involved in an aviation accident near Luperón, Dominican Republic during takeoff. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The seaplane was shot down by Dominican soldiers while the crew was attempting to flee the failed invasion. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A seaplane operated by Legión Caribe personnel was shot down and sank after the crew attempted to flee a failed military operation in the Dominican Republic, killing all four on board.
What happened
The aircraft was deployed by members of the Legión Caribe to support a military incursion into the Dominican Republic. When the invasion effort did not succeed as planned, the crew initiated an emergency departure from the area. During this retreat, Dominican forces operating from a speedboat engaged the seaplane with gunfire. The impact caused the aircraft to catch fire immediately after being hit. Unable to maintain flight or make a controlled landing, the seaplane descended into the water and subsequently sank. All four crew members were killed in the incident.
Findings
Official investigations concluded that the accident resulted from hostile action. The primary factor leading to the loss of the aircraft was that it was shot down by Dominican soldiers during the attempted escape.
Probable cause
The seaplane was shot down by Dominican soldiers while the crew was attempting to flee the failed invasion.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 19 Jun 1949 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Luperón, Dominican Republic?
A seaplane operated by Legión Caribe personnel was shot down and sank after the crew attempted to flee a failed military operation in the Dominican Republic, killing all four on board.
Were there any fatalities in the 19 Jun 1949 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Jun 1949 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration N1096M, operated by La Legión Caribe, at Luperón, Dominican Republic.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The seaplane was shot down by Dominican soldiers while the crew was attempting to flee the failed invasion.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…