1962-10-12: Convair CV-440 Metropolitan (EC-ATB) — Iberia - Lineas Aéreas de Espana — Seville, Spain

18 fatalitiesSeville, SpainLanding (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into a hillside during its final approach to Seville-San Pablo Airport, resulting in the loss of all 18 people on board.

What happened

During the final approach phase toward the runway threshold at Seville-San Pablo Airport, the flight crew transmitted an emergency mayday signal. This brief communication indicated that the aircraft had been overtaken by fire.

Following this distress call, the aircraft became uncontrollable and descended into a hill situated approximately 4 km before reaching the airport runway. The impact of the crash, combined with a subsequent intense fire, resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were 18 fatalities among the occupants, with no survivors reported.

Findings

Initial reports indicate that the primary factor leading to the loss of control was an onboard fire that occurred while the aircraft was maneuvering for landing.

Probable cause

An in-flight fire caused the aircraft to become uncontrollable during its final approach.