Hijacking attempt and fatal struggle during takeoff from Havana

3 fatalities • Havana, Cuba • Takeoff (climb)

A hijacking attempt involving five individuals led to a fatal confrontation and an emergency landing in a field near Havana Airport.

What happened

Shortly after departing from Havana Airport, the aircraft was targeted by five hijackers who attempted to breach the flight deck. An altercation ensued when two security guards moved to intercept the intruders, resulting in the discharge of firearms. During the violent struggle, the captain, one of the hijackers, and a guard all sustained fatal injuries.

Despite the chaos in the cockpit, the copilot maintained control of the aircraft and performed an emergency landing within a nearby sugar cane field. The impact caused the undercarriage to be sheared off from the airframe as the plane came to a halt. Aside from the three fatalities, all other passengers and crew members were successfully evacuated from the wreckage without further injury.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the primary driver of the incident was the hijacking attempt initiated by the five individuals on board.

Probable cause

An attempted hijacking led to a violent struggle in the cockpit and subsequent loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1961-08-09 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Havana, Cuba?

A hijacking attempt involving five individuals led to a fatal confrontation and an emergency landing in a field near Havana Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 1961-08-09 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1961-08-09 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration CU-T607, operated by Cubana de Aviación, at Havana, Cuba.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An attempted hijacking led to a violent struggle in the cockpit and subsequent loss of control.

Loading the flight search…