No fatalities

Aircraft Ditched in Lagoon After Engine Failure Near Cockburn Town (N7768B)

Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos IslandsTakeoff (climb)

On September 12, 1979, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration N7768B) operated by Rich International Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos Islands during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure for unknown reasons. 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)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft ditched in a lagoon about 1.6 km from Cockburn Town Airport runway 11 after an engine failed during initial climb. All three occupants escaped uninjured, and the airplane was damaged beyond repair.

Incident Overview and Location Details The incident occurred shortly after takeoff from Cockburn Town Airport runway 11. The aircraft was in its initial climb when one of its engines failed. The crew attempted an emergency landing and subsequently ditched the aircraft in a lagoon located about 1.6 km from the runway end. ## Outcome and Damage The airplane came to rest in shallow water and was damaged beyond repair. All three occupants escaped uninjured. ## Official Findings The official investigation identified the probable cause as engine failure for unknown reasons. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, date, or specific location beyond the stated airport and lagoon distance were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Sept 1979 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos Islands?

An aircraft ditched in a lagoon about 1.6 km from Cockburn Town Airport runway 11 after an engine failed during initial climb. All three occupants escaped uninjured, and the airplane was damaged beyond repair.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Sept 1979 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Sept 1979 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration N7768B, operated by Rich International Airways, at Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos Islands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure for unknown reasons.