155 fatalities

1972-12-03: Convair 990 Coronado (EC-BZR) — Spantax — Tenerife-Norte-Los Rodeos, Spain

Tenerife-Norte-Los Rodeos, SpainTakeoff (climb)

On December 3, 1972, a Convair 990 Coronado (registration EC-BZR) operated by Spantax was involved in an aviation accident near Tenerife-Norte-Los Rodeos, Spain during takeoff. 155 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: inadapted reaction and manoeuvres on part of the pilot-in-command who probably suffered spatial disorientation immediately after takeoff in an almost zero visibility configuration. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781233368Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft carrying West German tourists and Spanish crew crashed after takeoff from Tenerife Norte Airport during near-zero visibility due to fog and low ceiling. All 155 occupants were killed.

Accident Description

The accident occurred at Tenerife-Norte-Los Rodeos Airport shortly after liftoff. As the aircraft climbed to an altitude of 100 meters, it went out of control, descended, and crashed in a large explosion approximately 325 meters beyond the end of the runway. The impact and subsequent fire completely destroyed the aircraft.

Occupants and Fatalities

The aircraft carried 148 West German tourists and 7 Spanish crew members, totaling 155 occupants. All were killed in the crash.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, visibility was near zero due to a low ceiling and fog.

Probable Cause

It is believed that the accident was caused by inadapted reaction and manoeuvres on the part of the pilot-in-command, who probably suffered spatial disorientation immediately after takeoff in an almost zero visibility configuration.