Fatal aircraft accident near Desolation Cape

13 fatalities • Desolation Cape, Greenland • Flight

A seaplane crashed into a mountainside during a flight between Narsarsuaq and Søndre Strømfjord, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During a flight traveling from Narsarsuaq to Søndre Strømfjord, a seaplane encountered severe weather conditions while cruising. During this period of poor visibility and turbulent weather, the aircraft collided with the slope of a mountain. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe.

Search efforts located the wreckage several hours after the incident in the vicinity of Desolation Cape. There were 13 fatalities recorded, as all individuals on board the aircraft perished in the crash.

Findings

  • The accident occurred while the aircraft was in the cruise phase of flight.
  • Inclement weather conditions were present at the time of the mountain strike.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck terrain while operating in adverse weather conditions during the cruise phase.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1963-08-10 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Desolation Cape, Greenland?

A seaplane crashed into a mountainside during a flight between Narsarsuaq and Søndre Strømfjord, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1963-08-10 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 13 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1963-08-10 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration L-865, operated by Royal Danish Air Force - Flyvevåbnet, at Desolation Cape, Greenland.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck terrain while operating in adverse weather conditions during the cruise phase.

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