2 fatalities

Aircraft loss near Dry Tortugas Islands

Dry Tortugas, United States of AmericaFlight

On April 15, 1961, a Douglas A-26 Invader operated by Cuban Air Force - Fuerza Aérea del Ejército de Cuba (1952-1961) was involved in an aviation accident near Dry Tortugas, United States of America in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was destroyed after being struck by gunfire from Cuban forces. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into the ocean near the Dry Tortugas Islands, Florida, following an engagement with Cuban military fire.

What happened

During a flight near the coast of Florida, an unidentified aircraft was struck by gunfire originating from Cuba. The impact caused the plane to descend into the sea in the vicinity of the Dry Tortugas Islands. Following the loss of the aircraft, search efforts confirmed that there were no survivors from the incident. The total number of fatalities was two, representing both members of the flight crew.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the destruction of the aircraft was the direct result of being shot down by Cuban fire. The engagement occurred while the aircraft was in flight near the Florida coastline, leading to its immediate crash into the ocean.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed after being struck by gunfire from Cuban forces.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Apr 1961 Douglas A-26 Invader accident near Dry Tortugas, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed into the ocean near the Dry Tortugas Islands, Florida, following an engagement with Cuban military fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Apr 1961 Douglas A-26 Invader accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Apr 1961 involved a Douglas A-26 Invader, operated by Cuban Air Force - Fuerza Aérea del Ejército de Cuba (1952-1961), at Dry Tortugas, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was destroyed after being struck by gunfire from Cuban forces.