2 fatalities

Cargo Flight Crashes into Gulf of Mexico After Thunderstorm Encounter (N51424)

Pensacola, United States of AmericaFlight

On April 2, 1955, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration N51424) operated by Aaxico Airlines - American Air Export & Import Company was involved in an aviation accident near Pensacola, United States of America in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control in thunderstorm activity (turbulences). This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo flight from Brookley AFB to Robins AFB crashed into the sea off Pensacola after losing control in thunderstorm activity. Both pilots were killed and the aircraft was destroyed.

Accident Overview

A cargo flight operating between Brookley Air Force Base in Mobile, Florida, and Robins Air Force Base in Georgia crashed into the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Pensacola after encountering severe weather.

Flight and Weather Conditions

The aircraft was cruising over the Gulf of Mexico when the crew encountered very poor weather conditions. The flight entered thunderstorm activity, during which the airplane went out of control and subsequently crashed into the sea.

Aftermath

Both pilots on board were killed in the accident. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact with the water.

Official Findings

The probable cause of the accident was determined to be a loss of control in thunderstorm activity (turbulences). No additional factors were listed in the official findings.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Apr 1955 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Pensacola, United States of America?

A cargo flight from Brookley AFB to Robins AFB crashed into the sea off Pensacola after losing control in thunderstorm activity. Both pilots were killed and the aircraft was destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Apr 1955 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Apr 1955 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration N51424, operated by Aaxico Airlines - American Air Export & Import Company, at Pensacola, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of control in thunderstorm activity (turbulences)