45 fatalities

1959-12-08: Curtiss C-46 Commando (HK-515) — SAM Colombia - Sociedad Aeronáutica de Medellín — Caribbean Sea, World

Caribbean Sea, WorldFlight

On December 8, 1959, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration HK-515) operated by SAM Colombia - Sociedad Aeronáutica de Medellín was involved in an aviation accident near Caribbean Sea, World in flight. 45 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Due to the lack of evidence, investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of the accident. 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 1781246981Data APIEditorial standards

A flight from San Andrés Island vanished while cruising at 9,500 feet. Search operations were suspended after three days. Eight days later, landing gear components were discovered on a beach in Panama.

Disappearance

Twenty minutes after departing from San Andrés Island, while cruising at an altitude of 9,500 feet, the captain contacted air traffic control to report the aircraft's position vertical to the PC-2 beacon, noting good weather conditions. This transmission was the last communication received from the flight. No further contact was made.

Search Efforts

Search and rescue operations were initiated but were suspended three days later when no trace of the aircraft or its 45 occupants could be found. The suspension came after an extensive search covering the presumed flight path area.

Discovery of Debris

Eight days after the disappearance, pieces of equipment from the right main landing gear were found on a beach on Moron Island, Panama. The discovery provided the first physical evidence related to the missing aircraft but did not immediately clarify the location of the main wreckage or the occupants.

Investigation

The investigation into the incident was hampered by a lack of evidence. According to official findings, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined due to insufficient data. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or operator have been released.

Probable cause

Due to the lack of evidence, investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of the accident.