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6 fatalities

Aircraft Crash into Panama Canal After Takeoff from Howard AFB

Howard AFB (Panama City), PanamaTakeoff (climb)

On July 11, 1960, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Howard AFB (Panama City), Panama during takeoff. 6 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into the Panama Canal after the pilot lost control during a 180-degree turn following technical problems shortly after takeoff from Howard AFB in Panama City. All six occupants were killed.

Incident Overview and Immediate Aftermath Shortly after departing Howard AFB in Panama City, the pilot reported encountering technical problems with the aircraft. In response to these issues, the pilot decided to return to the airport for a safe landing. ## Loss of Control and Crash While executing a 180-degree turn to return to the airport, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The plane subsequently crashed into the Panama Canal, specifically off the district of Balbo. ## Casualties and Damage The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. All six individuals on board were killed in the crash. No further details regarding the specific nature of the technical problems or the exact cause of the loss of control were provided in the source material.

Loss of control in flight

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Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Jul 1960 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident near Howard AFB (Panama City), Panama?

An aircraft crashed into the Panama Canal after the pilot lost control during a 180-degree turn following technical problems shortly after takeoff from Howard AFB in Panama City. All six occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Jul 1960 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Jul 1960 involved a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Howard AFB (Panama City), Panama.

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