8 fatalities

Cargo flight crashes into lagoon near Cozumel (HC-SIA)

Cozumel, MexicoLanding (descent or approach)

On October 24, 1948, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration HC-SIA) operated by Transandina Ecuador was involved in an aviation accident near Cozumel, Mexico during landing or approach. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Technical problems encountered en route led to an emergency diversion that ended in a crash into a lagoon. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo aircraft carrying cattle diverted to Cozumel due to technical issues but crashed into a lagoon, resulting in the deaths of all eight people on board.

What happened

The incident involved a cargo aircraft transporting livestock from New Orleans to Quito. During the flight, the crew experienced technical difficulties that necessitated an emergency diversion. The pilot elected to land at Cozumel to address the issues. However, the aircraft failed to reach the runway and crashed into a nearby lagoon. All eight occupants were killed in the accident.

Findings

The source material indicates that technical problems were the primary factor leading to the decision to divert. The specific nature of these mechanical failures is not detailed in the provided text, nor is there information regarding the exact cause of the crash into the water body.

Probable cause

Technical problems encountered en route led to an emergency diversion that ended in a crash into a lagoon.