1954 Comet Structural Failure Over the Tyrrhenian Sea (G-ALYP)

Incident Overview and Immediate Aftermath Approximately twenty minutes after departing Rome-Ciampino Airport, the aircraft was cruising at 27,000 feet between the islands of Elbe and Montecristo when it experienced a severe decompression. The aircraft subsequently disappeared from radar and crashed into the Tyrrhenian Sea. All 35 people on board were killed. Debris was located floating roughly 16 kilometers south of Elbe Island, while the main wreckage came to rest at a depth of 600 meters. Approximately 70% of the debris was recovered, and the aircraft was reconstructed in the United Kingdom for investigative purposes. Due to concerns regarding technical issues, BOAC, Air France, and SAA suspended all Comet flights. Following fifty modifications and improvements, the aircraft type resumed operations two months later. The investigation ultimately determined that the aircraft suffered a structural failure and exploded in flight.